Day 5.2 State Reforms/Civil Service Reform

State Reforms/Civil Service Reforms

Progressives aimed to empower citizens in democracy and hold officials accountable. The right to vote is vital for American citizens, allowing them to influence policies affecting their lives. During the Gilded Age, voting rights were challenged by corrupt political machines in major cities, where threats and bribes influenced votes. Congress became inefficient, with Senators heavily influenced by big businesses, prioritizing corporate interests over citizens. In response, Progressive reformers sought to restore voters' power by enabling them to freely choose candidates and legislation that served their interests.

Link for Fill in the Blank Notes

State Reforms

Progressives aimed to empower citizens by providing them with a more direct and active role in the democratic process, while also ensuring that elected officials remain accountable to the people they serve. To achieve this important goal, Progressives advocated for various reforms and initiatives that would enhance civic engagement and participation in governance.

Initiative, a way for citizens to propose a new law by gathering signatures on a petition

referendum, a measure that allowed citizens to vote directly on the initiative

recall, a way for citizens to remove elected officials from office by holding a special vote

In this activity, analyze each cartoon and drag and drop the matching definition in the space provided.

Referendum

Recall

Initiative

Reveal

In addition to the reforms of Initiative, Referendum, and Recall, reformers pushed for constitutional amendments that would bring significant social, political, and economic change.

State Reforms of the Progressive Era1. Labor Reforms: Child Labor Laws: Many states enacted laws to prohibit child labor or limit working hours for children, ensuring they have access to education and safe environments. Minimum Wage Laws: Some states established minimum wage standards to protect workers from exploitative wages. Workplace Safety Regulations: States implemented safety regulations to reduce workplace accidents and improve conditions, leading to the establishment of safety commissions. 2. Voting Reforms: Secret Ballot: The adoption of the secret ballot helped reduce voter intimidation and corruption by allowing citizens to vote privately. Direct Primaries: Many states introduced direct primaries, allowing party members to nominate their candidates rather than party leaders, increasing democratic participation. Women’s Suffrage: Numerous states passed laws granting women the right to vote, culminating in the Nineteenth Amendment (1920), which granted women suffrage nationwide. 3. Political Reforms: Initiative and Referendum: These measures allowed citizens to propose legislation (initiative) or vote directly on laws (referendum), increasing public participation in the legislative process. Recall Elections: States implemented recall procedures, allowing voters to remove elected officials from office before the end of their term, increasing accountability.

4. Social Reforms:Prohibition: Many states enacted laws to prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol, leading to the Eighteenth Amendment (1919), which established national prohibition. Public Health Initiatives: States focused on improving public health through sanitation reforms, establishment of public health departments, and regulations on food and drugs. 5. Economic Reforms: Regulation of Monopolies: States began to regulate monopolies and trusts through antitrust laws to promote fair competition and protect consumers. Progressive Taxation: Some states adopted progressive taxation policies to ensure that wealthier citizens paid a higher percentage of their income in taxes, promoting economic equity. 6. Education Reforms: Compulsory Education Laws: Many states passed laws requiring children to attend school, which aimed to reduce child labor and improve literacy rates. Expansion of Public Education: States invested in public education systems, increasing access to education for all children. Conclusion:These reforms were part of a broader movement to address the inequalities and injustices of the Gilded Age, improve the lives of ordinary citizens, and promote democratic principles. The Progressive Era laid the foundation for future reforms and the continued fight for civil rights and social justice in the United States.

Click on each of the documents below to read about each of the Progressive Era constitutional amendments.

Click here to compare your answer.

Civil Service Reform

In 1883, Congress passed the Pendleton Act, which established a merit system to ensure that federal positions would be filled based on merit, or qualification, rather than political affiliation This system was set in motion by way of civil service exams, which were used to measure candidate competency Progressives viewed the Pendleton Act as a means to combat the spoils system because it prevented officials from appointing individuals based on political benefit

Assignment Page - 2 things are due today 1) Day 5 Assignment (google form - use link here) 2) Progressives Call for Reforms Activity (in Ole) 2) CFA 2.1 in Eduphoria/Aware (Instructions in Ole)

Day 5 Assignment

The 17th and 19th Amendments directly impacted the power of American voters. The 17th Amendment gave voters the power to directly elect U.S. Senators. The 19th Amendment guaranteed women the right to vote.

The 16th Amendment established the right for Congress to impose a federal income tax.

The 19th Amendment guaranteed women the right to vote.

The 17th Amendment allowed voters to cast direct votes for U.S. Senators.

The 18th Amendment established the prohibition of alcohol beverages.