Oklahoma Academic Standard 2. The student will analyze the social, economic and political changes that occurred during the American Industrial Revolution, the Gilded Age, and significant reform movements from the 1870s to the 1920s.

Objective 2.2  Evaluate the rise and reforms of Populism and the Progressive Movement including:

  C. series of events leading to and the effects of the 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 21st Amendments to the Constitution of the United States. 

In a Nutshell

The purpose of this objective is to develop student understanding of the impact of the Populist and Progressive movements regarding many necessary changes in politics and the nation’s economy, including a national income tax, the direct election of senators, and women’s suffrage. It is important for students to grasp that because of the influence of both movements, more Americans were participating in the nation’s democratic processes.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Assist students in analyzing the role of informed and responsible citizens in their political systems and provide examples of changes in civic participation over time by examining the justification of the Progressive amendments to the Constitution. 

• Analyze the role of informed and responsible citizens in their political systems and provide examples of changes in civic participation over time as evidenced by political changes through the Constitutional amendment process and social activism.  

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• sources of government revenue, excise taxes, tariff; graduated/progressive tax, flat tax

• 1912 Election; views of Wilson, Roosevelt, and Taft toward government policy and business

• Roosevelt's "New Nationalism" platform 

• Progressive's objectives to address problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and political corruption  

• Some may think that the direct election of Senators had no effect on government other than expanding democracy by allowing citizens to directly choose their senators. However, the direct election of senators changed the balance of power between the state governments and the national government. Senators now represent the people of their states, not their state governments.  

Instructional Resources