Progressive Era Vocab

Progressivism

A movement that seeks to advance the human condition through social reform, based on advancements in social organization, science, and technology.

Muckraker

Writers and journalists focused on reforms.

Injunction

Court orders that prohibit a certain activity.

Social Welfare Program

Helps ensure a minimum standard of living, such as unemployment benefits and social security for the elderly.

Municipal

Relating to a city, such as municipal parks and buildings.

Home Rule

A system that gives cities a limited degree of self-rule, allowing them to escape domination by state governments.

Direct Primary

An election in which citizens vote to select nominees for upcoming elections.

Initiative

A process in which citizens can draft a bill for Congress.

Referendum

When citizens can vote to discard a previously written bill or law.

Recall

When citizens can remove a senator or elected official from office.

Holding Company

A firm that buys up stocks and bonds of smaller companies, potentially creating a monopoly.

Conservationist

People who favor the protection of natural resources.

Bull Moose Party

Nickname for the progressive party, symbolized by a moose to challenge the Republican elephant.

Clayton Antitrust Act

Strengthens the Sherman Antitrust Act by specifying activities that businessmen cannot engage in.

Federal Trade Commission

Given the power to order firms to cease and desist from unfair practices.

Federal Reserve System

Divided the country into 12 districts, each with a federal reserve bank.

Civil Disobedience

Nonviolent refusal to obey a law in an effort to change it.

16th Amendment

Established a federal income tax.

17th Amendment

Provided for the direct election of senators by the people.

18th Amendment

Banned the consumption and manufacture of alcohol.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

20th Amendment

Established that the vice president takes over if the president is unable to perform his duties.

21st Amendment

Repealed the 18th Amendment and set the legal drinking age to 21.