Which political party formed in 1892 represented farmers and supported free coinage of silver and government control of monopolies?

• A. Democratic Party
• B. Greenback Party
• C. Populist Party
• D. Republican Party

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is the rise of the Populist movement in the 1890s, a party formed by farmers to push for reforms against powerful industries. This party emerged in 1892 as a coalition of farmers’ alliances and labor activists who felt the political system favored big business. Its platform argued for free coinage of silver to expand the money supply and ease farmers’ debts through inflation. It also called for government ownership or strong public control of railroads and other monopolies to curb corporate power and ensure fair rates. These elements—representing farmers, endorsing free silver, and advocating public control of monopolies—point to the Populist Party as the correct answer. The Greenback movement preceded this era, while the major parties existing at the time did not form a new party in 1892 with this specific combination of goals.