Political Corruption, Government Power & Democratic Reforms

Ward/City Bosses

Local politicians who built loyalty among working-class voters through personal connection

Patronage

The practice of providing favors and jobs in exchange for votes

Progressive Movement

Reform movement seeking more democratic government, competitive business, and a more just society

Theodore Roosevelt

Progressive president (1901-1909) who used federal power to regulate business and protect consumers

Bully Pulpit

Roosevelt's use of the presidency to influence media and public opinion

Square Deal

Roosevelt's platform: Control of Business, Consumer Protection, and Conservation

Taft's Failures

Did not lower tariffs enough and was seen as insufficient on environmental issues

Election of 1912

Split between Republicans, Bull Moose Party, and Socialists; Woodrow Wilson (Democrat) won

Woodrow Wilson

Progressive president (1913-1921) who lowered tariffs, broke up trusts, and promoted the New Freedom

New Freedom

Wilson's platform promoting free enterprise, individualism, and states' rights while regulating big business

16th Amendment (1913)

Established the federal income tax

17th Amendment (1913)

Established the direct election of US senators by popular vote

19th Amendment (1920)

Granted women the right to vote

Federal Reserve System

Established during the Progressive Era to regulate the nation's banking and monetary policy

Initiative

Power given to citizens to place proposed laws on a ballot

Referendum

Citizens can approve or reject a law passed by the legislature

Recall

Citizens can remove public officials from office through a vote

Civil Service Reform

Merit-based employment for government positions, reducing patronage

Pre Food and Drug Act (1906)

Established health code regulations and inspections of food and healthcare industries

Failures of Progressivism

Failed African Americans, supported eugenics and scientific racism, infringed on individual liberties

18th Amendment

Prohibition; seen as an overreach that infringed on individual freedoms

Buck v. Bell

Supreme Court case that upheld involuntary sterilization, reflecting Progressive-era eugenics