In early twentieth century United States politics, which statement about President Woodrow Wilson's domestic policy is accurate?

Introduction / Context:
Woodrow Wilson was the twenty eighth president of the United States and served from 1913 to 1921. His domestic agenda, known as the New Freedom, focused on regulating large corporations and reforming the banking and tariff systems. This question tests understanding of Wilson's domestic priorities and clears up common misconceptions about his policies toward business, banking, taxation, and race relations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Time period is the early twentieth century, specifically the Wilson presidency.
• Wilson introduced a program called the New Freedom.
• The question is asking which single statement best reflects his actual domestic policy.
• Only one option is fully accurate; others contain clear errors or distortions.

Concept / Approach:
To answer, recall the main pillars of the New Freedom: stronger government regulation of big business, creation of a modern central banking system, and introduction of a federal income tax. Then compare each option with these historical facts. The correct statement must match well known reforms such as the Federal Reserve Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act, while incorrect options will contradict these measures or misrepresent Wilson's record on race and civil rights.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that Wilson campaigned on limiting the power of large corporations and restoring competition. Step 2: He supported laws such as the Clayton Antitrust Act and the establishment of the Federal Trade Commission to regulate corporate behavior. Step 3: He also signed the Federal Reserve Act, which reformed the banking system rather than leaving it unchanged. Step 4: Wilson did not work to end the federal income tax; instead, his administration helped implement a modern federal income tax after the Sixteenth Amendment. Step 5: On race relations, he allowed or expanded segregation in federal offices, so claims that he consistently expanded racial equality are historically inaccurate. Step 6: The only option that fits the historical record is that he wanted strict federal government controls on large corporations.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick way to verify is to match each option with a major law. Strict controls on corporations match the Clayton Antitrust Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act. Opposition to banking reform contradicts the Federal Reserve Act. Eliminating the income tax contradicts the Revenue Act of 1913, which introduced a federal income tax. Expanded racial equality conflicts with the documented increase in segregation under his administration. Therefore, the first option aligns with real legislative actions, confirming it as correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b is wrong because Wilson did not oppose all antitrust laws; instead he strengthened them. Option c is wrong because his administration supported the income tax, not its removal. Option d is wrong because he championed and signed the Federal Reserve Act, a major banking reform. Option e is wrong because his administration tolerated or expanded segregation, so it cannot be described as consistently working for racial equality.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Wilson with more conservative presidents who resisted regulation, or they assume all progressive era leaders supported racial equality. Another mistake is to think that any president before the New Deal opposed income taxes or banking reform. Misreading the question and focusing only on a single program rather than the overall domestic agenda can also lead to the wrong choice.

Final Answer:
He wanted to place strict federal government controls on large corporations.