La follette wanted to reduce the influence of which two groups in government

The answer is: big businesses and political machines

Robert M. La Follette was a lawyer and American politician who lived between the years 1855-1925. He intended to restrict the influence of the interests of powerful business and corrupt politicians in government. Known as a progressive man, he instituted what is now called the "Wiscosin Idea," a philosophy that seeks to foster the contributions of universities to the state and to create fair laws for the greastes number of people.