Backround
When does the Progressive Era take place?
1897-1920
Why is the ratification of the 16th amendment so important?
Formed the basis of the federal income tax system
Why was the ratification of the 16th & 17th amendment so important?
They both expanded federal power, they needed more power in order to become stronger
Have there ever been talks to repeal the 16th & 17th amendments?
Yes
People who exposed the scandalous, greedy agreements between corporations and Congress were called _________
muckrakers
What year were the 16th and 17th amendments ratified?
1913
What change did the 17th Amendment bring?
Direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote
How does the ratification of the 17th effect the first election of senators?
One-third of the Senate seats up for election, every incumbent running wins reelection
Why did the 16th amendment help the government?
It provided the federal government largest source of revenue
What is recall?
People can petition to remove an elected official from office
(created for those who had been bribed by bosses or lobbyists)
What was life like before the 16th amendment?
Required direct taxes be proportionate to the States population
What court case was the 16th amendment adopted for?
a. Pollock v. Farmers’ Loan & Trust Co.
b. Munn v. Illinois
c. Plessy v. Ferguson
a. Pollock v. Farmers’ Loan & Trust Co.
How did the 16th amendment affect the supreme court?
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the income tax laws
What would happen if income tax was abolished?
Massive tariff hikes could potentially violate international trade agreements and spark retaliatory measures from trading partners
What is referendum?
Direct vote where voters can vote on specific proposals to lead to the creation of news laws or policies
How were senators elected before the 17th amendment?
State legislatures
How did the 17th Amendment reflect the goals of the Progressive Movement?
Promoted direct democracy and reduced corruption in government
What did the power of the 16th amendment enable the passage of?
Revenue act of 1913
What would the senate look like today if the 17th amendment was never ratified?
Senators would still be elected by state legislatures and possibly lead to more corruption
What groups of people opposed the 16th amendment?
Wealthy business owners and populists
Before the 17th Amendment, what problems existed with the election of US senators?
Bribery and corruption
How did the 16th amendment change the way the government collects money?
The government could collect income tax directly from the people instead of relying on tariffs and other sales tax
What happens soon after the 16th amendment was ratified?
Congress levies a 1% tax on personal incomes greater than $3,000 and a 6 percent tax on incomes above $500,000. These taxes affect only a very small portion of the population
How could the 17th amendment impact future discussions over states’ rights?
Future debates could focus on the amount of control over Senate elections or if the direct election system should be changed
What groups of people opposed the 17th amendment?
State legislators and political machines