Why does the term gilded age accurately describe the period of the late 1800s

A it was a time when voter turnout rose and political corruption declined
B it was a time when the government enacted reforms to help the poor
C it was a time, when a thin layer of wealth seem to cover up a great deal of corruption
D it was a time when corruption fell to one of its lowest points in US history

The correct answer is: C) it was a time when a thin layer of wealth seemed to cover up a great deal of corruption.