Question

a way in which progressives were successful in reforming the federal government was
eliminating corruption.
trust-busting.
treating women equally.
reforming taxes.

Explanation:

• Eliminating corruption was an ongoing effort but not fully achieved.
• Trust - busting was more about breaking monopolies (antitrust actions) rather than direct federal government reform in the way the question implies.
• Treating women equally was a long - term struggle and not a major successful reform of the federal government in the Progressive era context here.
• The Progressives were successful in reforming taxes, for example, the adoption of the income tax (16th Amendment) which was a significant reform of the federal government's tax system.

Answer:

D. reforming taxes