1.The populist movement focused on the rights of the common man, but many populist leaders also were overtly racist and veered toward demagoguery.

1.    The populist movement focused on the rights of the common man, but many populist leaders also were overtly racist and veered toward demagoguery. What accounts for this strange combination of views? Do you see any parallels between classic populism and recent political movements?

2.    Why wasn’t populism able to establish a firm foundation for effectuating national policies? Was this due to the prevailing social characteristics of the populist sector of the population? Was it due to economic developments? Please explain.

3.    Consider other, less popular political movements. Why did socialism, with a smaller but nevertheless significant public following, not catch on in America? What about other fringe political and social movements?