Post 2: Progressive Reforms in Politics and Government

The Progressive Era in American history witnessed significant efforts to combat political corruption and increase government accountability. Progressive politicians sought to reform the political system by introducing various initiatives aimed at giving power back to the people. One of the key initiatives was the introduction of the direct primary, which allowed party members to directly vote for their preferred candidate. This reform aimed to reduce the influence of party bosses and shift power towards the voters.

Another important progressive reform was the use of initiatives and referendums, which enabled citizens to propose and vote on legislation directly. This approach allowed for greater citizen involvement in the lawmaking process and served as a check on special interests. As a result, citizens could bypass corrupt politicians and enact laws that were more in line with public sentiment.

Perhaps one of the most significant progressive reforms during this era was the passage of the 17th Amendment. Before this amendment, U.S. senators were selected by state legislatures. The 17th Amendment mandated the direct election of senators by the public. This change aimed to reduce corruption and increase accountability by ensuring that senators were directly answerable to the people rather than being chosen by political elites.

Progressive politicians like Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson played major roles in advancing political reforms during the Progressive Era. Roosevelt, for instance, took on corporate monopolies and advocated for fair competition. He also pushed for regulations on railroads and eventually established the Department of Commerce and Labor. Wilson, on the other hand, championed for a stronger federal government and introduced the Federal Reserve Act, which aimed to stabilize the nation's banking system and prevent future financial crises.

Overall, the Progressive Era marked a period of significant political reform in the United States. The implementation of direct primaries, initiatives, and referendums, as well as the direct election of senators, aimed to combat corruption, increase accountability, and ensure that government was more responsive to the will of the people. Through the efforts of progressive politicians like Roosevelt and Wilson, the political landscape of the United States was forever changed, laying the foundation for a more democratic and transparent government.