Which of the following most directly supports the argument found in the excerpt regarding government actions during the early 20th century?

The argument in the excerpt likely pertains to government actions that reflect broader themes of regulation, control, or political patronage during the early 20th century. The appointment of Harry M. Daugherty as Attorney General is significant because it illustrates the potential for political influence and corruption within the government. Daugherty, closely associated with President Warren G. Harding and his administration, was involved in various controversies, particularly relating to the Teapot Dome scandal, which epitomized the tangled relationships between government officials and private interests during this era.

This appointment underscores concerns about how government actions were sometimes directed by personal loyalty and political connections rather than by a commitment to public welfare or effective regulation. It supports the argument in the excerpt by highlighting the potential for government positions to be misused for political gain, reflecting a critical perspective on the conduct of government officials in that period.

In contrast, while the creation of the Federal Reserve and the passage of the Sherman Antitrust Act are important developments in economic regulation, and the establishment of the National Park Service represents a commitment to conservation, they do not explicitly or directly relate to the themes of political corruption or patronage implied in the excerpt regarding government actions. Daugherty's tenure and its implications provide a more focused example of