1. Working Harder, to make AMERICA Better!!
IMPROVEMENTS
Working Harder, to make AMERICA Better!!

2. Problems in America Corruption in government and business. Sweatshops
City slums
Child labor
Disease
Prejudice

3. Progressive
A person who wanted to fix America and make it a better place.

4. The Government Many felt that the rich had too much power.
Many feared that bankers and industrialists were controlling government.
Corruption
Bribes
Voter fraud!
Spoils System

5. Problem: Spoils System
Patronage/ nepotism/ spoils system.
Government jobs given to loyal supporters.
People were not qualified for their jobs!

6. Reforming the Spoils System
1881 Pres. James Garfield wanted to base jobs on merit (ability).

7. Garfield Assassinated by Charles Guiteau

8. Solution
Civil Service Commission instituted exams for non-elected federal jobs.
Jobs now based on MERIT

9. Problem: Big Business MUST be controlled!
Members of Congress bribed by businessmen
Large gap between rich and poor

10. Solution to Railroads: Interstate Commerce Act
The Federal government has the right to regulate the movement of people and goods across state lines.

11. Solution: Sherman Anti-Trust Act
Makes it ILLEGAL to try to limit or destroy competition!

12. Problem: BOSS RULE Powerful politicians who came to rule many cities.
Controlled all work done in cities
Used corruption to make $