He signed a law that created the Department of Labor. He also supported passage of the Sixteenth Amendment, which permitted a national income tax, and the Seventeenth Amendment, which mandated the direct election of senators by the people.

What reforms did William Taft pass?

Among the significant pieces of legislation passed by Congress during Taft’s presidency was the Mann-Elkins Act of 1910, empowering the Interstate Commerce Commission to suspend railroad rate hikes and to set rates. The act also expanded the ICC’s jurisdiction to cover telephones, telegraphs, and radio.

What were 3 of Taft’s progressive ideas?

His reforms addressed the progressive goals of democracy, social welfare, and economic reform. Two of the major progressive achievements under President Taft were constitutional amendments. The Sixteenth Amendment was passed in 1909 and ratified in 1913. It gave Congress the power to create income taxes.

What were Taft’s progressive policies?





Taft actively supported both the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Amendments (which provided for the federal income tax and direct election of senators, respectively) and established new agencies, such as the Bureau of Mines, which set standards of mine safety, and the Federal Children’s Bureau.

What was the main focus of the Taft administration?

Taft sought to lower tariffs–a tax on imports–then a major source of governmental income.

Was Taft’s foreign policy successful?

Historians agree that Taft’s Dollar diplomacy was a failure everywhere. In the Far East, it alienated Japan and Russia and created a deep suspicion among the other powers hostile to American motives.

What were 3 reforms the Progressives wanted?



To revitalize democracy, progressives established direct primary elections, direct election of senators (rather than by state legislatures), initiative and referendum, and women’s suffrage which was promoted to advance democracy and bring a “purer” female vote into the arena.

What labor laws were passed during the Progressive Era?

The Progressive Era 1900–1920



Reformers in the early 20th century campaigned for legislation to improve the lives of workers. The measures included protective legislation for women, a ban on child labor, the creation of the Federal Department of Labor, and laws setting work hours and conditions.



What are the 4 goals of progressivism?

The progressive movement had four major goals: (1) to protect social welfare, (2) to promote moral improvement, (3) to create economic reform, and (4) to foster efficiency. Reformers tried to promote social welfare by easing the problems of city life.

What were three results of the progressive movement?

Regulations that progressive groups helped to enact still shape government and commerce today, including food safety requirements, child labor laws, and the normalization of the eight-hour workday.

What were progressive reforms?

Progressive Era reformers sought to harness the power of the federal government to eliminate unethical and unfair business practices, reduce corruption, and counteract the negative social effects of industrialization.

What did most progressives want?



Progressives sought better pay, safer working conditions, shorter hours, and increased benefits for workers. Believing that only education would allow people to lead successful lives, Progressives opposed child labor, wanting children to attend school rather than working in mines and factories.