What were the main efforts of political reform from 1877 to 1896?

The period from 1877 to 1896 in the United States, often referred to as the Gilded Age, witnessed several significant political reform efforts aimed at addressing various social, economic and political issues:

1. Civil Service Reform: Efforts were made to reform the spoils system, a practice where government jobs were awarded based on political patronage rather than merit. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 established a merit-based system for federal employment, reducing political influence in government appointments.
2. Regulation of Railroads: The rapid expansion of railroads during this period led to concerns about monopolistic practices, price gouging, and unfair business practices by railroad companies. This prompted calls for regulation, eventually resulting in the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, which established the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to oversee railroad rates and practices.
3. Antitrust Legislation: Growing concerns about the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few powerful trusts and monopolies led to the passage of antitrust legislation. The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 aimed to prevent monopolistic practices and promote fair competition in business.
4. Electoral Reforms: Various electoral reforms were introduced to address corruption, voter fraud and election irregularities. States implemented measures such as secret ballots, voter registration, and other electoral reforms to ensure fairer and more transparent elections.
5. Populist Movement: The late 19th century saw the rise of the Populist movement, which advocated for agrarian and labor interests. Populists called for monetary reform, a graduated income tax, direct election of senators and other policies aimed at addressing the concerns of farmers and workers.
6. Women's Suffrage: The push for women's suffrage gained momentum during this period. Organizations like the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) advocated for women's right to vote, leading to state-level reforms granting women suffrage in several western states.

These political reform efforts aimed to address various social, economic, and political issues of the time, including corruption, economic inequality, monopolistic practices and the need for broader participation in the democratic process.