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Lesson Number: 032

Aim: How did the Progressive Movement change governments in the United States?

1. Reform to City and State Governments

   1. City governments set fair wages for their employees.
   2. City governments adopted a civil service system of hiring.
   1. Competitive exams were created to hire workers under the civil service system.
   
   
   3. Many state governments changed during the Progressive Movement
   1. Many states adopted the initiative, referendum, and recall procedures.
   1. Through an initiative, citizens could petition or write their legislature to consider making a new law.
   2. In a referendum, citizens vote on a bill being considered by the legislature.
   3. Citizens can vote an elected official out of office by using a recall.
   
   

2. Changes to the Federal Government

   1. The 17th Amendment - The Direct Election of Senators to Congress - 1913.
   1. Prior to 1913 and the 17th Amendment, Senators were chosen by state legislatures. However, now they are elected directly by the people of each state.

Social Studies Performance Standards
Objective Number(s) covered in this lesson - SS1, SS5

What are the Social Studies Performance Standards - Click Here

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