What did Woodrow Wilson advocate for in relation to the national government and private power?

Woodrow Wilson believed in the need for the evolution of government to effectively address the challenges posed by private power. During his presidency, he recognized that the rapid industrialization and the rise of monopolies had given significant power to private corporations that could outpace the government’s ability to regulate and safeguard the public interest. To combat this issue, Wilson advocated for a more active government that would adapt and evolve in response to the changing dynamics of the economy and society.

He believed that government should not merely be a static entity but should continually develop to ensure that it could manage the power of large corporations and serve the needs of the public more effectively. This perspective was evident in his support for various reforms, including antitrust legislation aimed at curbing corporate monopolies and ensuring competitive markets. His approach emphasized a proactive role for government in regulating private enterprise and protecting citizens, reflecting a belief in the necessity of governmental adaptability in the face of escalating economic power.

This understanding of the relationship between government and private power underlies the notion of a progressive government that is responsive to the challenges of its time, which is why advocating for the evolution of government is seen as the correct answer.