Both the elkins act and the hepburn act increased the government’s
ability to
(a) use federal troops to break strikes
(b) limit the power of corrupt political machines
(c) regulate unfair business practices by railroads
(d) limit child labor in mines and factories
(e) control the fl ow of immigrants into the united states

Both the Elkins Act and the Hepburn Act increased the government's ability to C. REGULATE UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES BY RAILROAD.

The Elkins Act of 1903 authorizes Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to impose heavy fines on railroad companies that offered rebates and on shippers who accepted these rebates.

The Hepburn Act or Hepburn Rate Bill gave authority to the ICC to regulate the railroad shipping rates. 

Political forces often influence public opinion.