the progressives day 1

In your own words, describe the Progressive Era was (as clearly as you can)

The period from about 1890 to 1920 when many believed a solution to social problems in the nation lay in a more active role by the government. Progressives believed that by applying scientific principles to solving social problems the result would be new inventions and innovations that would improve the lives of everyone.

You were given 5 key characteristics of the Progressive era. Describe 3

A. Government should play an active role in solving society’s problems.

B. Government need to be more efficient

C. New inventions and new cures (improvements in science) can help society

What is a muckcracker

Journalists who practiced what today is called “investigate journalism” in order to spotlight corruption in society.

Name 3 muckcrackers and describe what they are known for.

A. Jacob Riis - journalist whose book “how the other half lives” led to calls for government assistance to help the urban poor. His books gave a vivid look at the life for ethnic groups of New York City living on slums.

B. Upton Sinclair- wrote the jungle to describe the conditions in the meatpacking industry. He wanted to highlight the plight of the working class. Instead the book raised fears of what was in the meat that people were eating.

C. Ida Tarbell - one of the leading “muckcrackers” of her day, wrote many notable magazine series and biographies. Best known for her 1904 book “the history of the standard oil company”

Who was Robert lafoliette? What is a direct primary? And how was he connected to it?

A. He was a politician Wisconsin governer who wanted to get power out of the hands of party leaders and into the hands of the people

B. The direct primary gave voters power to choose the candidates in an election.

C. Wisconsin governer Robert became known as the “Laboratory of democracy”

Define initiative?

Allows a group of citizens to introduce legislation ( a law) in their state government and require the legislature to vote on it.

Define referendum?

Allows proposed legislation (a law) to be voted on directly by the people instead of just its state legislature

Define the 17th amendment

“Senators” were now to be chosen by a direct election of the people of a state, not by the state government.

What is the 19th amendment?

Amendment to the constitution granting women the right to vote.

Explain teddy roosevelts “square deal” name 3 characteristics

A. Break up big business monopolies (trust)

B. Protect the environment and public health

C. Improve working conditions for factory workers

Northern securities-v-the United States what was this court case about? What was the ruling?

Roosevelt and the government sued northern securities, a trust made up of two large railroads. The Supreme Court ruled that northern securities was a monopoly and in violation of the Sherman antitrust.