This is a list of reforms proposed by the Populist Party. Reforms Proposed by the Populist Party free coinage of silver direct election of senators public ownership of railroads federal income tax Based on this list, what role did the Populist Party believe the federal government should have in the lives of American citizens? Responses The federal government should focus on protecting citizens from foreign influences. The federal government should focus on protecting citizens from foreign influences. The federal government should put the needs of ordinary citizens before the needs of the wealthy. The federal government should put the needs of ordinary citizens before the needs of the wealthy. The federal government should support citizens by granting more power to state governments. The federal government should support citizens by granting more power to state governments. The federal government should help ordinary citizens by implementing laissez-faire policies.