- Spanned the period 1900-1920 and the presidencies of three "Progressive"
Presidents: Theodore Roosevelt (Republican), William Howard Taft (Republican),
and Woodrow Wilson (Democrat).
- Believed that the laissez-faire system was obsolete, yet supported
capitalism.
- Believed in the idea of progress and that reformed institutions would
replace corrupt power.
- Applied the principles of science and efficiency to all economic,
social, and political instituting.
- Viewed government as a key player in creating an orderly, stable,
and improved society.
- Believed that government had the power to combat special interests
and work for the good of the community, state, or nation.
- Political parties were singled out as corrupt, undemocratic, outmoded,
and inefficient.
- Power of corrupt government could be diminished by increasing the
power of the people and by putting more power in the hands of non-elective,
nonpartisan, professional officials.
- The progressives eventually co-opt many of the Populist demands such
as referendum, initiative, direct election of Senators, etc. Some of
these are incorporated in the "Progressive" Amendments to
the U. S. Constitution: 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th Amendments.
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