Economic issues that gave rise to the populist party include declining economic prospects, high freight rates for farmers and the growth of powerful corporates. The populist party sought to reverse the slugging economic and stop powerful corporate interests from controlling government. The populists advocated for public ownership of railroads and direct election of senators
Secretary of State John hay was an advocate of "<span>A. an open door with China" (also known as an "open door policy" since by this time China had become a powerful economic force. </span>
