why did progressives seek to eliminate government corruption?

Progressives sought to eliminate government corruption because it allowed for individuals with wealth and influence to maintain their privileged positions and prevent ordinary citizens from having a meaningful say in the political process. Corruption also caused inefficiencies in government, leading to wasted taxpayer dollars. Progressives believed that eliminating corruption would create a more open and just government that would better serve the people.

Progressives sought to eliminate government corruption in order to ensure that government was being run fairly and efficiently, and with the public interest in mind. They believed that political corruption had grown out of control, due to the influence of powerful special interests and wealthy individuals. Progressives sought to bring transparency and accountability to government by limiting corporate influence and implementing anti-corruption reforms, such as the direct election of senators, citizen initiatives and referenda, merit-based civil service, and civil service reform.