A. It took on a larger role in regulating private businesses.
During the Progressive Era, which spanned from the 1890s to the 1920s, the United States federal government expanded its role significantly in regulating businesses and addressing issues such as monopolies, labor rights, and public health. This era saw major reforms such as the establishment of regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the passing of laws aimed at curbing corporate excesses and promoting consumer protection.