Reform in the Progressive Era Government Legislation

Early Attempts (Gilded Age) 1887 – Interstate Commerce Commission Created to oversee railroad operations (due to rampant corruption) Could only monitor interstate lines At first could only require that RR companies send their records to Congress Sherman Antitrust Act – outlawed any trust that “restrained trade or commerce” Rarely enforced (and usually against unions) but started to establish a greater role for the government in the economy

New Amendments 16 th Amendment (1913) – income tax Allowed for a progressive/graduated income tax Not based on which state, or the census 17 th Amendment (1913) Allowed for the direct election of Senators (under original Constitution – appointed by state legislatures)

Federal Reserve System “The Fed” Replaced idea of National Banks 1913 – Federal Reserve Act Created to stabilize the monetary supply/economy and regulate the banking industry

Resurgence of the Women’s Rights Movement