During the Progressive Era, what was one goal of state-level political reformers?

One goal of state-level political reformers during the Progressive Era was to promote the principle of direct democracy. This was driven by a desire to make government more responsive and accountable to the needs and wishes of the general public rather than being dominated by powerful political machines and elite interests. Direct democracy included mechanisms such as initiatives, referendums, and recall elections, which allowed citizens to have a direct say in lawmaking and the ability to remove elected officials from office.

Reformers believed that by empowering citizens and reducing the power of entrenched political interests, they could foster a more participatory government that truly represented the people's will. This shift aimed to counteract the corruption and inefficiencies that were prevalent in many state governments at the time. Such reforms are indicative of the broader progressive movement, which sought to address social issues and bring about political change in line with democratic ideals.