Important Dates
In 1883, what act did Congress pass
In 1883 Congress passed the Pendleton Act, which set up the Civil Service Commission to give tests for federal jobs. Job seekers had to demonstrate their skills before being hired. By 1900 the commission controlled the hiring of many federal workers.
What date was the Seventeenth Amendment passed?
In 1912
Who was William McKinley?
He sponsored the Tariff Bill of 1890, and which raised tariffs sharply.
What is a Reform?
The correction of abuses or errors in society
Why did congress pass the Interstate Commerce Act?
Because it was requiring railroads to charge and publish "reasonable and just" rates.
In 1906, what book was published by uptown sinclair.
The Jungle, describes the horrors of the Chicago meatpacking industry
True or False:
The constitution gave state legislatures the responsibility of choosing senators.
True
Who was Ida Tarbell? And what did she do to to help a reform?
She worked with the McClure's magazine, and she described the oil trust's unfair practices. She helped with a reform?
What is oligopoly?
A group of businesses that agree to limit competition and raise their prices to make larger profits.
What did reformers want to do?
Reformers wanted to stop the power of political bosses. They founded organizations such as the National Municipal League to make city governments more honest and efficient.
In 1890, what act was passed?
The Sherman Antitrust Act was the first federal law to control trusts
What was significant about the seventeenth amendment?
The seventeenth amendment gave the people a greater voice in their government
Who is Eugene V. Debs?
A labor leader who helped found the American Socialist Party in 1898.
What is a muckraker?
Reporters that helped the reformers. They wrote newspaper and magazine stories that told people about problems.
What did the new reformers want?
They wanted government to be more efficient and less influenced by powerful businesses.
What is one corrupt city boss who controlled New York City's Democratic political machines, and what date was it?
1st - William M. Tweed
2nd - 1860s and 1870s
What amendment was passed as a result of the Progressive Movement?
The seventeenth amendment was passed
Who is Uptown Sinclair? And what did he do to help a Reform?
He described the horrors of the Chicago meatpacking industry in his novel about the conditions? He helped with a reform because in response to this disgusting industry, they were exposed and so congress passed the the Meat Inspection Act for purer food.
What is an initiative in the process of making a law?
It allows citizens to place an issue on the ballot in a state election.
What happened under the spoils system?
Elected leaders gave government jobs and other favors to their political supporters.
In the late 1870s, what did Rutherford B. Hayes try to do?
He tired and failed to change the spoils system.
What about the seventeenth amendment was making it hard, and what were they trying to reform and why?
Before this amendment, people didn't choose who they wanted to be elected for senator. Big business owners would pay politicians to elect them for the job.
Who was Lincoln Steffens?
He was one of the most effective muckrakers and he worked for McClure's Magazine.
What are a referendum and a recall in the the lawmaking process?
A referendum gave voters the opportunity to accept or reject laws.
A recall allowed voters to remove incompetent elected officials.
What did reformers claim about government?
They claimed that government and big business were taking advantage of the American people rather than serving them.