Question 136

The ideas described in the excerpt best reflect an increase in public support for government intervention to solve social problems.

The excerpt highlights a growing awareness and advocacy for addressing social issues through government action, indicating a collective shift towards supporting interventions that tackle societal challenges.

A) The creation of settlement houses to educate newly arrived immigrants

While the establishment of settlement houses was indeed a significant movement aimed at aiding immigrants, it does not directly reflect the broader public support for government intervention in social problems as a whole. Settlement houses focused on local community assistance rather than systemic government solutions.

B) The advocacy for the acquisition of overseas territories to obtain resources

This option pertains to imperialistic efforts and the expansion of territory for resources, which is unrelated to the social reform movement focused on domestic issues. The excerpt does not address overseas expansion but instead emphasizes social welfare, making this option incorrect.

C) The increase in public support for government intervention to solve social problems

This option accurately captures the essence of the excerpt, as it discusses the heightened awareness and demand for governmental action to address various social issues. The alignment with public sentiment towards reforming social injustices supports the correctness of this choice.

D) The beginning of investigations by journalists in order to identify political corruption

Although investigative journalism played a crucial role in exposing corruption, the excerpt's focus is on social reform and public support for government action, rather than on the journalistic efforts to unveil corruption. Thus, this option is not relevant to the primary theme of the excerpt.

E) The shift in African American party affiliation from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party

This option relates to political alignment and party affiliation rather than addressing social reforms or government intervention in social problems. The excerpt does not discuss party politics, making this option incorrect in context.

Conclusion

The correct answer, C, effectively encapsulates the excerpt's theme of increasing public advocacy for governmental measures to address social issues. Other options either focus on unrelated topics or do not align with the core concept of social reform through government action, thus reinforcing why C is the most accurate choice.