Progressive Reforms

Here are the definitions of important progressive reforms. Look at the definitions
and then decide which reform fits the scenario.
Initiative the people have a right to propose or ask for laws to be passed
Referendum the people have a right to vote on proposed laws
Recall the people have a right to remove officials from office before their term
expires
16th amendment the federal government has the authority to collect an income
tax
17th amendment Senators to the U.S. Congress will be elected directly by the
people of a state instead of selected by the states legislature
18th amendment the making, selling, and drinking of alcohol is prohibited
19th amendment womens suffrage
1. John Doe is a part of a very powerful political machine in the state of Texas.
He is known for taking bribes from big businesses but is friends with many
state legislators. The legislature is considering choosing him to become one
of the senators to the U.S. Congress. What reform will stop this from
happening? ___17th amendment____
2. The Houston City Council has decided to pass a city law that forbids smoking
anywhere in public. Many people are against this law. What reform can stop
this law? __Referendum____
3. There has been a huge increase in alcohol related deaths in the U.S. Many
people believe alcohol is destroying society by increasing prostitution,
gambling, and public drunkenness. What reform will try and stop alcohol
abuse? ___18th amendment___
4. There has been a huge economic recession in Texas and Governor Smith
promised to bring new jobs. Instead, he has been spending money on
personal travel and vacations. Unemployment has hit a new high. What can
the people of Texas do since the governors term lasts another 4 years?
__Recall_____
5. Big businessmen make billions of dollars while factory workers make very
little. The federal government depends on taxes to pay for important
projects. The tax that everyone pays is the same if a rich man wants to buy
tires for his car, he pays a tax on the tires. If a poor person wants to buy
tires, he pays the same tax. What reform can make taxing all people more
fair?
__16th amendment___
6. Many people in Texas would like the government to increase spending on
education. But the Texas legislature has not even introduced such a law.
How can the people get a law introduced in the Texas legislature?
__Initiative____

HISD Social Studies Curriculum 2015

U.S. History Since 1877

7. The 15th Amendment to the Constitution gave all men the right to vote.
There was still a group of citizens that couldnt vote. What reform gave 50%
of the population the right to vote? __19th amendment___

HISD Social Studies Curriculum 2015

U.S. History Since 1877