1. Write a 7 sentence paragraph answering this question…
“What was the role of muckrakers in the Progressive Era?
You must use at least 3 details from the primary sources in your explanation

2. Warm-up:
Describe 3 things that Progressive reformers wanted to change in order to improve society.

3. Reforming Government & Expanding Democracy

4. Government before Progressivism
Those with money had the most influence
Political machines  vote for me, and I’ll get you a job
State legislature elected Senators
Party bosses controlled/chose candidates who ran as the party primary

5. Why Reform Government
In late 1800s, Republicans supported high tariffs and the gold standard which favored big business
There was government corruption at federal, state and local levels
People wanted a more DEMOCRATIC government
Reformers hoped to end corruption in government by giving voters a more direct say in lawmaking

6. Why Reform Government
The spoils system was used to give party supporters important government position
City officials built corrupt organizations called political machines
Progressive reformers knew government needed to be reformed because
Government could not be controlled by political bosses and business interests
Government needed to be more efficient and accountable to the people

7. Political Reforms Before: After:
Party leaders choose candidates for state and local offices.
State legislatures choose U.S. Senators
Only members of the state legislature can introduce bills
Only legislators pass laws
Only courts of the legislature can remove corrupt officials
Direct Primaries: Citizen voters select their party’s nominees for upcoming election
17th Amendment: U.S. senators are elected by popular vote
Initiative: Voters can put bills before the legislature
Referendum: Voters can vote on bills directly
Recall: Voters can remove elected officials from office

8. Expanded Role of Government
Sought more social welfare programs to help ensure a minimum standard of living.
Earliest reforms were made at the municipal, or city, level.
Some municipal reformers worked for home rule, a system that gives cities a limited degree of self-rule.
Municipal reformers opposed the influence of political bosses.

9. Reformers made efforts to take over city utilities such as water, gas and electricity.
Some reform mayors led movements for city-supported welfare services
such as public baths, parks, work-relief programs, playgrounds, kindergartens, and lodging houses for the homeless
Banking system needed to be reformed because the nation had no central authority to supervise banks
Federal Reserve System established a system for regional banks to hold reserve funds for nation’s commercial banks
Federal Trade Commission was established to monitor business practices that might lead to monopolies

10. Activity: