(by joseph keppler, 1899) which statement best summarize the point of this political cartoon? a) politicians tend to ignore the needs of industry b) big businesses carry too much power in government c) regulation of commerce is against the peoples will d) precious metals are vital to the security of the country

The correct answer is B) Big businesses carry too much power in government.

Joseph Keppler’s cartoon was published on January 23, 1889.  

Before the 17th Amendment, it was common that state legislatures were the ones that selected the United Senators. At that time,  big corporate interests used to buy state legislatures to maintain its economic interests and influence. That way, they named their friends to the U.S. Senate. That is what Keppler tried to describe in the in the cartoon. Right there appear the fat bosses –the rich men of the time- sitting around the back of the Senate chamber. On their bellies they have the names “Copper Trust,” “Steel Trust,” “Oil Trust,” showing the influence they had on the senate members.

Joseph Keppler illustrations portrayed topics on political corruption and influences of big corporations.