Political Reforms and the Fight Against Corruption in the Progressive Era

The video tutorial by Mr. Ramage covers political reforms during the Progressive Era in American history. It explains the corruption of political machines, such as Tammany Hall, and the efforts to empower voters through reforms like direct primaries, initiatives, referendums, recalls, and the 17th Amendment. These reforms aimed to reduce corruption and increase voter influence in elections, ensuring democracy worked for individuals rather than political machines.

What was the primary role of political machines in the late 1800s?

• To support small businesses

• To promote fair elections

• To control city and state governments

• To reduce taxes

Who was a notable leader of a political machine in New York City?

• Abraham Lincoln

• William Boss Tweed

• Theodore Roosevelt

• Andrew Jackson

What was the main goal of the Progressive Era reforms?

• To increase the power of political machines

• To empower voters and reduce corruption

• To eliminate taxes

• To support monopolies

What is the purpose of a direct primary?

• To enable voters to choose their party's candidates

• To allow voters to propose new laws

• To pass new state laws

• To recall elected officials

How does the initiative process benefit voters?

• It allows voters to reject existing laws

• It helps voters choose party candidates

• It enables voters to recall elected officials

• It allows voters to propose and vote on new laws

What is the main function of a referendum?

• To recall elected officials

• To elect new governors

• To allow voters to reject laws passed by the legislature

• To propose new laws

What does a recall process allow voters to do?

• Elect new senators

• Remove an elected official from office

• Reject existing laws

• Propose new laws

What significant change did the 17th Amendment bring?

• Creation of the Electoral College

• Establishment of political machines

• Introduction of the initiative process

• Direct election of U.S. Senators by voters

Before the 17th Amendment, how were U.S. Senators selected?

• By direct vote of the people

• By the state legislature

• By the President

• By the Supreme Court

What was a key reason for the introduction of the 17th Amendment?

• To increase state power

• To reduce corruption in the selection of Senators

• To eliminate the Senate

• To support political machines