The Progressive Era

I. Government and Legislative Reform Restructuring Government New forms of city government City government changed to prevent “machine” rule Developed city management plans Changes in state government Direct primary – voters not party bosses choose candidates for general election 17th Amendment – direct election of Senators Initiative – citizens able to introduce legislation Referendum – proposed legislation submitted to voters for approval Recall – allowed voters to remove an elected official from office by holding a special election

Consumer Protection City officials established building codes Pure Food and Drug Act established the Food and Drug Administration to protect consumers from unsafe medicines and meats

Labor Reform Worker compensation laws passed in most states by 1916. Minimum age requirement of child worker’s set. Mueller v. Oregon (1908) limited women’s working hours

Moral Reform Anti-Saloon League (1893) intensified the long-standing campaign against drunkenness and its cost to society. Joined Women’s Temperance Union 18th Amendment – outlawed sale, manufacturing, and transportation of liquor Prohibition