Progressive Reforms

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key Progressive Reforms, their definitions, and purposes.

What was the City Commission or Manager System and why was it enacted?

It was a reform aimed at improving local governance and accountability by replacing corrupt political machines.

What is 'The Wisconsin Idea'?

A political reform that emphasized using university expertise to improve government policies and promote social justice.

What does the 17th Amendment entail?

It established the direct election of U.S. senators by popular vote.

What is a Direct Primary?

A political reform that allows voters to select candidates for the general election directly.

What is a Secret Ballot?

A voting process that ensures privacy and confidentiality of votes.

What is an Initiative?

A reform that allows citizens to propose legislation and vote on it directly.

What is a Referendum?

A process by which voters can approve or reject laws passed by the legislature.

What is Recall in the context of political reform?

A procedure that allows voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term.

What does the Hepburn Act do?

This act strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission by giving it the authority to regulate railroad rates.

What is the Elkins Act?

A law aimed at preventing discriminatory railroad rates.

What was the purpose of the Meat Inspection Act?

To ensure that meat and meat products are slaughtered and processed under sanitary conditions.

What does the Pure Food and Drug Act regulate?

It prohibits the sale of misbranded or adulterated food and drugs.

What is the Newlands Reclamation Act?

A law that funded irrigation projects for the arid lands of the American West.

What was the role of the U.S. Forest Service?

To manage and protect national forests and grasslands.

What is the Underwood-Simmons Act known for?

It reimposed the federal income tax and lowered tariffs.

What was established by the Sixteenth Amendment?

It allowed the federal government to impose an income tax.

What was the purpose of the Federal Reserve Act?

To create the Federal Reserve System, providing the country with a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system.

What does the Clayton Antitrust Act address?

It aims to prevent anticompetitive practices in their incipiency.

What is the Federal Trade Commission?

An independent agency of the U.S. government established to promote consumer protection and eliminate harmful anti-competitive business practices.

What did the Nineteenth Amendment achieve?

It granted women the right to vote.