Review of the Gilded Age

Laissez Faire- let it be / hands off An economic policy that advocates no government interference in business

A Time for Change

Monopolies and Trusts ruined Laissez Faire economics in America

Raised prices for inferior products Cut the pay of their workers Placed their own greed above the public good

Good Government Movement

Began in the 1870s Called for the reform of unfair business practices Aimed to get rid of government corruption and inefficiency through civil service reform

Progressivism/Progressives

A broadly-based nationwide reform movement which sought basic social, economic, and governmental reforms

Progressivism/Progressives

Support came from

Mainly the middle class

Certain issues also brought in the upper class working class all political parties

Progressivism/Progressives

Platform included

Government regulation of big business/railroads Womens right to vote Establishment of child labor laws Regulation of the public utilities Greater democratic practices among the American people

The Muckrakers

Named by Theodore Roosevelt Journalists who began investigating and writing about the corruption, business abuses, and human misery in the nations cities

City Planning

Zoning Laws Restricted the kinds of buildings and businesses that could be developed in a given place

City Planning

Housing Laws Required landlords to build safe buildings with fire escapes and a window in each room for light and air

City Governments

Commission Plan Voters elect a board of commissioners who act as a city council

City Governments

City Manager Plan

Voters elect a city council who appoint a city manager (no political ties) and the manager directs the city departments

Progressives in Wisconsin

Robert M. La Follette

First and most radical reformer of state politics Led an alliance of former Wisconsin farmers, laborers, and immigrants Elected governor of Wisconsin in 1900 Slogan was to give the government back to the people

Public Utilities Commissions

Utilities are companies that provide electricity, water, gas, etc. Regulatory commissions were established that would oversee price gouging and other illegal activities of the utility companies

The Wisconsin Idea

Direct Primary Elections

Allowed voters to choose candidates for political office

Reformed civil service so that appointments were based on ability, not spoils system Prohibited business contributions to political parties State legislature set up public commissions to watch over the utilities and the powerful railroads

Direct Democracy

Secret ballots

Reduced fraud and violence at voting places Gave voters in each state the power to start a bill with a simple petition Allowed a direct vote on a bill or law already passed by the legislature Gave voters the power to remove an elected official from office at any time

Initiative

Referendum

Recall