The Advantages and Disadvantages of Progressivism - Essay Example

Progressivism facilitated transparency in national governance. For instance, it led to the introduction of democratic elections in many American cities hence reducing the effects of partisan elections, which was a norm before the ideology. Additionally, the doctrine introduced the referendum as a means of getting public consent before making changes to universally critical laws. Still, on governance, people got control of the national government through electing senators and other public office bearers for fair representation in government.

Typically, the foundation and principles of democracy currently existing in the U.S had its origin back to the progressivism era. Secondly, the progressive movement diluted the much negativity witnessed during the industrial growth since it was a post-industrial revolution ideology. For instance, despite the economic boom happening during that time, wealth was in the hands of a few wealthy people in the U.S locking out a primary part of the population from sharing the national cake. Consequently, progressivism introduced law reforms that enhanced the equitable distribution of wealth to ensure that the majority of the people enjoyed national wealth.

Additionally, the industrial revolution era promoted child labor and poor working conditions that risked the lives of many American citizens.2 Therefore, progressivism introduced child labor laws, minimum weekly working hours to 40, and minimum wage amongst other labor reforms. Thirdly, the progressive movement facilitated the emergence of revolutionary public leaders who cared more about reforms than their individual gains.3 For instance, many government officials from political and non-political Circle worked towards ending corruption in municipal councils, public transportation, law enforcement, and other public services.

Moreover, the politicians ensured they enacted legislation that gave power to the people to control elected leaders. For instance, a law was passed that allowed voters to recall individuals from public office before the end of their term in the case of misuse of power.Despite the strengths of progressivism ideology, it had weaknesses too. For instance, it never tackled the problem of African-American segregation and discrimination because the Blacks in the North struggled as the whites competed with them for work.