1. 9.1: Cleaning Up Local Government

2. Reforming Local Government Natural Disasters – 1900; Hurricane in Galveston, Texas – 1913; Flood in Dayton, Ohio Politicians screwed up relief efforts; – Citizens hired their own experts instead – “Commission” government – “Council-Manager” government

3. Reform Mayors; Cleveland & Detroit Hazen Pingree of Detroit: – Fairer tax structure – Lowered fairs for public transportation – Rooted out corruption – Set up work relief for the unemployed Tom Johnson (Cleveland) – Socialist – Converted gasworks, waterworks and transit lines to PUBLICLY owned businesses – Wanted citizens to be more active in city government

4. Reform Governors Robert M. LaFollette: – Wisconsin /”fighting Bob” – Regulated big business – Wanted corporations to be treated the same as other people under the law – Targeted Railroads: Taxed R.R. @ same rate as other businesses Set up a commission to regulate R.R. rates R.R. could not give free passes to state officials

5. Protecting Working Children Reasons child Labor continued to rise; – Performed unskilled jobs for lower wages – Smaller hands for certain tools and parts – Immigrants & migrants often sent children to work to help support the family—(helped keep family out of poverty) Dangers: – More prone to accidents caused by fatigue – Health problems & stunted growth 1904: National Child Labor Committee: – Gathered evidence of child labor conditions – Organized exhibitions with photos and statistics – Supported by Labor Unions Child labor lowered wages for all workers Results of Reform Efforts: – 1. Keating-Own Act (1916) Could not transport goods produced using child labor across state lines – 2. Supreme Court declared the act unconstitutional – 3. Most states banned child labor & set maximum hour laws in place

6. Efforts to Limit Working Hours Muller v. Oregon (1908) – Persuaded Supreme Court to uphold a reduced 10 hour workday for women Other Progressive Accomplishments; -workers compensation to aid families

7. Reforming Elections Initiative: a bill originating from the people rather than lawmakers Referendum: a vote on the initiative by the people, not the legislature Recall: allowed voters to remove public officials before the end of their term if enough voters asked for it 17 th Amendment: – Direct election of senators