Question

what was one goal of the populist party?

a. get the government to spend more on defense.

b. getting a graduated income tax

c. get the federal government to embrace the gold standard

d. protect banks and merchants from defaulting farmers

Explanation:

The Populist Party (People's Party) in the late 19th century aimed to represent farmers and workers. A graduated income tax (where tax rate increases with income) was one of their goals to address economic inequality, as it would tax the wealthy more. Option A is incorrect (they focused on economic, not defense, issues). Option C is wrong as they opposed the gold standard (favored free silver to increase money supply). Option D is incorrect as they sought to help farmers, not protect banks/merchants from them.

Answer:

B. Getting a graduated income tax