Similar to our nation's founding, the Populist Party included in its platform a preamble to gain appeal of the masses and to condemn the slums people called cities. Reacting to the heavy industrialization that was taking place, Populists represented the common man and would fight to protect him. One of the most powerful tools the worker had, the power to unionize, was prevented by many big businesses and the Populists stepped in. When they weren't sticking up for the little guy, they advocated the use of silver as a to back currency which was restricted by government to profit the wealthy. The stimulation from agriculture produced billions of dollars, and the current system prevented this process to be conducted. The workers and artisans of these products are then impoverished as they rely on a currency that is not recognized by the government. At the base of their platform, the Populists were seeking to return the power of the government to the "plain people."In the second section, where they include policies and resolutions, they further advocate for a value ration of 16:1 of gold and silver and also that the government should own and operate railroads, telephones, and the telegraphs. Further pushing their stance on supporting the common man, the Populists argued that land should never be monopolized by foreigners to be used of business speculation but should be given to the rightful owners to be used to create wealth. They also believed a fair ballot, fair and liberal pensions for Union veterans, and stood for sympathy with labor organizations and their pleas.
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