“We believe that the power of government– in other words, of the people– should be expanded as rapidly and as far as the good sense of an intelligent people and the teaching of experience shall justify, to the end that oppression, injustice, and poverty shall eventually case in the land…”

 The Populist Party was the first movement to announce prepositions that called for reform. As proved in their Preamble, the common people were denied many rights and were treated inferior to others. They suffered through unfair circumstances. They got very little pay while working for many hours. They had to pay high rent while living in poor housing. For more than a quarter of a century, The Populist party has witnessed turmoil between the two major political parties and they demanded change to occur. They believed that the people in charge of the parties were at fault for allowing this to continue without putting an end to such harsh conditions. The Populist Party consisted mostly of farmers who advocated for change. These farmers didn’t have much money and the business expanding caused them to have to pay more while not having access to jobs or opportunities that would guarantee them an ability to be able to pay off such raised fees and  high income taxes. Some of their proposals included the demand for a graduated income tax, free and unlimited coinage, and a government- owned railroad operating in the interest of the people. Because of rising inflation, free coinage of silver would prevent the farmers from having to worry about paying more. The Populist Party has owned up to the fact that the government is to blame for the corrupted system they have been enduring. This quote reflects how The Populist Party expected their demands to be finally heard and their needs to be met. They expected the government to respond accordingly. They were relieved to finally be able to finally have their voices heard.