The excerpt below is from a law enacted by Congress in 1887 That it shall be unlawful for any common carrier subject to the provisions of this act to
charge or receive any greater compensation in the aggregate for the transportation of
passengers or of like kind of property; under substantially similar circumstances and
conditions, for a shorter than for a longer distance over the same line, in the same
direction, the shorter being included within the longer distance...
Why did Congress pass this law?

Congress creates and passes bills. The president then may sign those bills into law. Federal courts may review the laws to see if they agree .

Explanation:

freedom of speech is also protected by the 1 amendment.

explanation:

here is pretty much what the 1st amendment says:

congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

if i am correct the answer is going to be a) the federal program of reconstruction ended.