What were the major similarities and differences between the three political parties active in the gilded age?

simple.

Explanation:

Politics in the Gilded Age were characterized by scandal and corruption, but voter turnout reached an all-time high.

The Republican Party supported business and industry with a protective tariff and hard money policies.

The Democratic Party opposed the tariff and eventually adopted the free silver platform.

The People's (Populist) Party emerged in the 1890s to champion the interests of farmers. The party endorsed the coinage of silver to improve the financial situation of debtors.