2. If a similar epidemic were to occur today, how might the government and the public respond? in what ways might their responses be different from or similar to those in the past? Why?

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.

the main objectives of the progressive movement were eliminating problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and political corruption.