Question

Who was the early-twentieth-century governor of Wisconsin who believed that the state was a "laboratory for democracy," developed what came to be known as the Wisconsin Idea, taxed corporate wealth, and initiated state regulation of public utilities?

Answer 1

Answer: Robert M. LaFollette

Explanation: Robert Marion La Follette (June 14, 1855 – June 18, 1925) was an American lawyer and politician. He represented Wisconsin in both chambers of Congress and served as the 20th Governor of Wisconsin from 1901 to 1906. Upon taking office, La Follette called for an ambitious reform agenda, with his two top priorities being the implementation of primary elections and a reform of the state's tax system, both of which the state legislature enacted in 1902.

His tax reforms were especially notable as the new tax law, which required railroads to pay taxes based on property owned rather than profits, resulted in railroads paying nearly double the amount of taxes they had paid before the enactment of the law.

He was a candidate during the 1924 presidential elections but lost to the incumbent republican president, Calvin Coolidge.