These groups tend to be more conservative than their respective parties, and organize to influence legislation.
One had better and worse ways of communicating than others
It permitted supplies to reach England and it was crucial before Europe was invaded.
I believe that the most fitting answer for this question would be prosecuting "trusts," or monopolies, that were in violation of the federal Anti-Trust law. During the progressive Era, or 1900 to 1917, trust-busting efforts were very prevalent. Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson were especially adamant about trust- busting.