Political Reforms Objective: The student will describe the significance of progressive reforms such as the initiative, recall, and referendum; direct election of senators; reform of labor laws; and efforts to improve living conditions for the poor in cities. Essential Question: What is the significance of political reforms during the Progressive Era? Vocabulary: Initiative, Recall, Referendum, Direct Election of Senators

Progressive Goals To reform the political process - end the party machines Economic and social justice Public interest should guide Government policies

Who were Progressives? Middle- class residents of U.S. cities White- collar office workers Middle managers

Political Reforms Secret, ballot Direct primaries Initiative, referendum, and recall Social welfare

Initiative Allowed citizens of a state to place an issue before voters

Referendum Allowed voters to accept or reject proposed legislation

Recall A process that citizens can use to remove a corrupt official from office

Amendments to the Constitution 16th- Income Tax 17th- Direct election of Senators

Square Deal The name given to Theodore Roosevelt’s domestic policy Created an equal opportunity for all laborers.

Labor Laws 8 hour work days improved safety in the workplace end to child labor (minimum age laws to 12-16 years of age) some states restricted the hours and occupations of women

Living Conditions for the Poor in cities improved conditions for the poor, urban laborers and immigrants New York began passing its first laws aimed at improving urban tenements, or small low-income apartments usually shared by more than one family

Living Conditions for the Poor in cities Exposed by an immigrant from Denmark, Jacob Riis “How the Other Half Lives” cramped space filthy conditions often hazardous

What is the significance of political reforms during the Progressive Era? America became more democratic with the new political reforms established by the Progressive reformers. Those reformers also pushed for government regulations on labor through new laws as well as improve the quality of living for those poor industrial workers of the city.