Beginning Activities Title today’s lesson: Reform in the Cities and the States Mission Statement: To prepare you for a life of responsible citizenship Daily Expectations: – Come in quietly and get to work immediately – Pay attention and be respectful – No phones – No food or drinks other than water – Do your work – Give AP quality effort 5 bonus points for supplies

Interactive Demonstration Have a couple of students come up to the front of the room to represent politicians Get more students to be citizens Have each go up one at a time and ask for something and tell the politicians to reject what the individual citizen says Then, have the whole group of citizens mob the politicians

Extra Credit 5 points each 6 weeks for bringing supplies: – Paper clips – Pens – Paper – Staples – Tape

Reform in the Cities and States

Interest Groups and Voting Americans grew tired of politics and politicians. They brought about change through interest groups. Progressives used several tools to make improve government and voting: – Experts to run government agencies – Initiative – citizens can directly suggest a bill to their legislature – Referendum – citizens decide if a proposal becomes law – Recall – citizens remove an elected official they don’t like – Direct primary – party citizens choose candidates, not just the party leaders

Reform in the Cities Cities wanted more efficient management. They turned to business management for ideas. Cities started to regulate utilities and businesses. City leaders started to take the initiative for reform rather than waiting on state or national politicians.

Action in the States States created regulatory commissions to improve working conditions and oversee utilities. Regulatory practices at the state level became the model for the federal government. Gov. La Follette’s “Wisconsin Idea” led the way in state reforms. He lowered railroad rates, raised railroad taxes, and regulated worker safety.

Ending Activity Make sure the floor is clean Connect to our objectives: How does this prepare you for life and the future?