Why could Wilson claim a mandate to broaden the government's role in social reform?

Woodrow Wilson could claim a mandate to broaden the government's role in social reform due to his electoral victory in 1912, which reflected a public desire for progressive change. His New Freedom platform emphasized addressing issues like monopolies, labor rights, and economic inequality, resonating with voters who sought government intervention for social justice. Additionally, the social and economic challenges of the time, including the impact of industrialization, further legitimized his push for reforms aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens.