Progressive Era Vocab

Progressive Era

The period from about 1890-1920 during which a variety of government reforms were enacted at the local, state, and federal levels

Initiative

a process in which citizens can put a proposed new law directly on the ballot in the next election by collecting voter’s signature on a petition

Recall

procedure that permits voters to remove public officials from office before the next election

Referendum

Process that allows citizens to approve or reject a law passed by their government

Interstate Commerce Act

law created to regulate the railroad monopolies

Civil Service

non-elected jobs dealing with government administrations such as teachers, firefighters, police officers, and postal workers

Populist Party

3rd party that advocated a larger money supply and other economic reforms

Pendleton Act

law that required civil service employees to take an exam and show merit

Sherman Antitrust Act

law that outlawed any combination of companies that restrained interstate trade or commerce

Third Party

A political party organized in opposition to the major parties

16th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that created an income tax

17th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that allowed for the direct election of senators

18th Amendment

result of the temperance movement; prohibited the sell, manufacture, import, export, and transportation of intoxicating liquors

19th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that guaranteed voting rights for all female citizens