How did the role of the federal government change during the Progressive Era of the early 1900s. Include specific progressive legislation, discuss presidents and the enhanced power of the federal

I need some help with finding some information and understanding

http://regentsprep.org/regents/ushisgov/themes/reform/progressive.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_Era

1.B

2.B
3.B

Sure, I can help you with that. To understand how the role of the federal government changed during the Progressive Era of the early 1900s, we need to explore the specific progressive legislation, presidents' actions, and the enhanced power of the federal government.

During this era, there was a growing concern among reformers about the social, economic, and political problems caused by rapid industrialization and urbanization. The Progressive Era sought to address these issues through government intervention and regulation. Here are some key developments:

1. Progressive Legislation:
a. Square Deal: President Theodore Roosevelt's Square Deal was a progressive policy that aimed to protect the common people against big businesses. Roosevelt advocated for trust-busting (breaking up monopolies) and the regulation of large corporations. This eventually led to the passing of the Sherman Antitrust Act in 1914.
b. Pure Food and Drug Act (1906): This legislation, championed by President Roosevelt, aimed to ensure the safety of food and drugs sold to the public by prohibiting the sale of adulterated or misbranded products.

2. Enhanced Presidential Power:
a. Theodore Roosevelt: As mentioned earlier, President Roosevelt actively worked to increase the role of the federal government in regulating business practices. He used his executive powers to enforce antitrust laws and promote conservation efforts, setting aside large areas of land for national parks and forests.
b. Woodrow Wilson: President Wilson supported progressive policies and introduced significant reforms. Under his leadership, the Federal Reserve Act (1913) was passed, which established the Federal Reserve System to regulate and stabilize the economy. Wilson also pushed for the passage of the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914), which strengthened the Sherman Antitrust Act and offered protection to labor unions.

3. Growth of Federal Agencies:
a. Bureau of Corporations: Established in 1903, this agency was tasked with investigating and reporting on the activities of corporations engaged in interstate commerce. It provided valuable information to policymakers and helped shape regulatory legislation.
b. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Created in 1914 with the enactment of the Federal Trade Commission Act, the FTC was given the authority to regulate unfair business practices, prevent monopolies, and protect consumers' interests.

Overall, the Progressive Era marked a notable shift in the role of the federal government. From trust-busting to regulating food and drugs, the government took a more active role in curbing the excesses of big business and protecting the interests of the common people. Presidents Roosevelt and Wilson played significant roles in pushing for progressive reforms and expanding the power of the federal government to address economic and social issues.