Part III: Government Action

Reform of State and Local Gov’t Public-minded mayors replaced “boss rule” Robert Lafollette in Wisconsin (and Theodore Roosevelt in NY) combated corruption; later adopted at federal level Regulations of railroads, lobbying, banking Shift of tax burden to the wealthy Worker’s compensation

Reforming Government Read p. 522-523 1. Describe Robert LaFollette’s influence. 2. Define: Direct Primary Initiative Referendum Recall Secret Ballot 3. Using p. 538 and p. 523, identify the 16th and 17th amendments.

Political Reforms Secret Ballot Initiatives Referendum Lessened chance of intimidation for voting Initiatives Gave voters the right to petition for a bill to be directly brought before the state legislature Referendum Gave voters ability to decide whether a given bill should be passed

Direct Party Primaries Recall Form of petition used by voters to force elected officials out of office Direct Party Primaries Allowed voters, rather than party leaders, to select candidates who would run for office

Progressive Amendments 16th Amendment – Graduated Income Tax More money made, more taxes paid 17th Amendment - Direct Election of Senators Senators were elected discretely by voters, instead of state legislatures

Progressive Presidents: Teddy Roosevelt 1901-1909 “Square Deal” Increased federal gov’t involvement in social and economic problems, proposed new laws to protect consumer health, regulated some industries and conserved natural resources 1. Consumer Protection Meat Inspection Act, 1906 – government inspection of meat Pure Food and Drug Act, 1906 – regulated food preparation and sales of medicines 2. Business Regulation - “Trust-Buster” Distinguished between “good” and “bad” trusts Broke-up corrupt monopolies and trusts Filed 44 Anti-trust law suits

In one sentence, summarize the message of each cartoon.

In one sentence, summarize the message of each cartoon.

In one sentence, summarize the message of the cartoon.

3. Conservation Protection of the environment and wilderness Influenced by conservationists, Gifford Pinchot and John Muir Placed 150 million acres under federal government control for public good

Yosemite National Park

Progressive Presidents: Woodrow Wilson New Freedom – wanted a return to competition in the marketplace with enforcement of anti-trust laws (similar to TR’s New Nationalism) Federal Reserve System Act, 1913 Private banks had too little money in their banks This national banking system created 12 Federal Reserve Banks that can issue new currency, and loan member banks funds Regulated amount of money in circulation and interest rates

Clayton Anti-trust Act, 1914 Strengthened governments power to control business practices that threatened competition Declared that unions “were not conspiracies in restraint of trade”  unions were legal! Federal Trade Commission, 1914 Established the Federal Trade Commission, investigates unfair business practices including monopolistic activity and inaccurate product labeling

Triangle Shirtwaist Video 1. What problems does the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire bring to light? 2. What was the result? 3. What code is passed as a result?

Triangle Shirtwaist Video 1. What problems does the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire bring to light? Narrow exits, not working fire hose, blockage of doorway, fire escape locked, collapsed fire escape, fire ladder too short 2. What was the result? 146 die 3. What code is passed as a result? Life Safety Code; doors open outwards, automatic sprinkler systems, multiple exits