9. Define the term Progressives. Define primary. Summarize the reasons many Progressives supported the idea of holding primaries before general elections. Read Lesson 3 and Topic 11.3: The Rise of Progressivism in American History textbook. Read Progressive Reforms.
The term Progressives refers to a political movement that emerged in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, aimed at addressing various social and economic problems through government intervention and reform. Progressives advocated for policies such as regulation of big businesses, worker protection laws, women's suffrage, and social welfare programs.
A primary is a type of election where members of a political party select a candidate from within their own party to run in the general election, instead of the candidate being chosen solely by party leaders. Primaries allow party members to have a direct say in the selection of their party's candidates.
Many Progressives supported the idea of holding primaries before general elections for several reasons. First, they believed that primaries would increase accountability and democracy within political parties by giving the power of candidate selection to the party members themselves, rather than a small group of party elites. This was seen as a way to decrease corruption and prevent the influence of powerful interests within the party. Second, Progressives believed that primaries would allow for a wider range of candidates to emerge, giving voters more choice and ensuring a diversity of voices within the political system. Finally, by involving more people in the selection process, primaries were seen as a way to increase political participation and engage citizens in the democratic process.