how did progressivism affect the role of the federal government in the early 1900s?

my book talks about,.." by the mid-1910s, Progressives could take pride in the many changes they had helped bring about. they had redefined the role of government in business and politics. there were limits to what they had accomplished, however. for example, Progressives focused primarily on the problems of cities. they did little to address the plights of tenant and migrant farmers and of nonunionized owrkers in general... many progressives supported the governments's imperialistic policies abroad..."

could i include this in my answer, because its all i found in my book..and how can i put it in my own words.

thanks:)

This site may help you understand what the book says.

http://home.earthlink.net/~gfeldmeth/lec.prog.html

Progressivism had a significant impact on the role of the federal government in the early 1900s. To understand this impact, let's break it down into three main areas: regulatory legislation, economic reforms, and social reforms.

1. Regulatory Legislation: Progressives advocated for increased government intervention to address social and economic problems. They believed in the need for laws and regulations to protect workers, consumers, and the environment. As a result, several regulatory laws were enacted, expanding the federal government's role in overseeing various industries. For example, the Pure Food and Drug Act (1906) and the Meat Inspection Act (1906) were passed to ensure the safety and quality of food products. These federal regulations aimed to protect consumers from unscrupulous business practices.

2. Economic Reforms: Progressives were concerned about the power of wealthy corporations and unregulated capitalism. To combat this, they pushed for economic reforms to create a fairer, more equitable society. One way this was achieved was through antitrust legislation. The Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) had already been enacted, but progressivism further strengthened its enforcement. Notable examples include President Theodore Roosevelt's "trust-busting" efforts, which resulted in the breakup of several large corporations deemed monopolistic. This signaled a shift toward increased government oversight of the economy and a more active role in regulating business practices.

3. Social Reforms: Progressives sought to address various social issues and improve the well-being of American citizens. Their efforts led to the expansion of social welfare policies and government services. For instance, the passage of the Federal Reserve Act (1913) established a central banking system, providing greater stability and oversight of the nation's financial system. Additionally, progressivism saw the implementation of labor reforms, such as the establishment of the Department of Labor (1913) and the adoption of labor protections, including the eight-hour workday and improved workplace safety regulations. These social reforms aimed to improve working conditions, protect workers' rights, and provide a safety net for those in need.

In summary, progressivism influenced the role of the federal government in the early 1900s by expanding its regulatory powers over various sectors, implementing economic reforms to address monopoly and labor issues, and initiating social programs to ensure the well-being of American citizens. These changes represented a significant shift towards a more active and interventionist government in addressing societal problems.