Political Reform Of The Progressive Era

Question 1

Why was corporate power an issue during the progressive era?

Answer 1

Big businesses had monopolised markets and corrupted politics through party contributions and bribery

Question 2

What political changes were brought in during the progressive era?

Think about acts, taxes, labour, railroads, food…

Answer 2

• SHERMAN ANTI TRUST ACT - brought the promise of control over big businesses - Roosevelt pushed through 44, with a further 80 from Taft
• FEDERAL INCOME TAX - under Taft. Those who earned more gave more back
• Imposing labour regulation
• ROBERT LA FOLLETTE - railroad regulation
• Voters chose candidates directly
• TOM L JOHNSON - campaigned for improved food inspection standards
• Women’s suffrage

Question 3

What was the process of political reform that took place?

What was its effect?

Answer 3

The Direct Primary
Initiative 
Referendum 
Recall
- Pushed by ROBERT LA FOLLETTE in Wisconsin - their implementation in his state became a model for the rest of the US

Question 4

What is the ‘Direct Primary’?

Answer 4

A preliminary election giving all party members the chance to vote on candidates

Question 5

What is ‘initiative’?

Answer 5

A process for putting a proportion on a ballot

Question 6

What is ‘referendum’?

Answer 6

Voting on an initiative

Question 7

What is ‘recall’?

Answer 7

Voters given the opportunity to remove elected officials through petitions and a vote

Question 8

What was the 17th Amendment?

What year?

Answer 8

THE 17TH AMENDMENT - 1913

Direct election of senators

Question 9

What benefits did workers have during progressivism?

Give 2

Answer 9

1902 - Maryland became first state to offer workmens compensation
1916 - Federal employees offered protection

Question 10

What was the 18th Amendment and when was it?

Answer 10

THE 18TH AMENDMENT - 1917

Prohibition