WHO IS A PROGRESSIVE?

WHO IS A PROGRESSIVE?

According to Roosevelt, what are the characteristics of a progressive? 

Roosevelt read his speech which, clearly highlighted the characteristics of a progressive. According to him, a liberal can be defined by several fundamental principles, which include consumer protection, control of corporations, and the conservation of nature and the surrounding resources.

According to Roosevelt, a progressive is an individual who is positive about life and considers the prospect of progress and disputes resolutions. A characteristic that arises from the fundamental principles is that a progressive is also one who acts on the consequences of industrialization to regularize corporations’ regulations and to prevent exploitation of both the environment and the people (Roosevelt, 1912). From the speech, it can also be noted that another characteristic of a progressive is that s/he is a person who is passionate when it comes to change, the transformation of the government and world, and are willing to offer voluntary services. A progressive demands social justice at all costs and is very open to ensuring that the democratic process is expanded for the benefit of all individuals.

Explain and give examples of the characteristics of “anti-progressives.”

Roosevelt, in his speech, indicates that an individual that is “anti-progressive” can be described as one who supports any form of particular interest and privileges, whether in a manner that is direct or indirect. Anti-progressive engages in reinforcements of protections for anti-majoritarian activism. Anti-progressives tend to agree with the anti-democratic ideas, and they also tend to have a robust uncertainty when it comes to depending on large government groups. To the ‘anti-progressives,’ large government groups tend to be incredibly wasteful and abuse powers and resources in a country (Pestritto & Atto, 2008). The main characteristic of anti-progressives is that they are people who despise human values and dignity, and they have high regard for material possessions. They do not care for the environment, and they have a custom of using all likely means to ensure that they accrue as much wealth as they can. Generally, anti-progressives are very hostile when it comes to the idea of progressivism.

Trace what types of activities “anti-progressives” engaged in 

Anti-progressives participate in most actions that destabilize the progressiveness activities, for instance, the conversation of the environment, consumer protection, and regulation of corporations’ industries (Robertson, 2015). Many of the anti-progressives participate in doings that lead to the disparity in wealth, workers’ exploitation, and unrestrained capitalism. Anti-progressives mostly seek the launching of robust institutions that have the capability of undermining the powers of democracy when it comes to the provision of checks and balances. The ant-progressives who are already in control participate in activities that encourage mechanisms that are anti-democratic and that democratize the public reforms and institutions.

Analyze the goals of progressivism. Explain what areas of society progressives addressed? 

From Roosevelt’s speeches, one of the goals of progressivism is brought when he stated that “…his aim is to ensure that he secures the real and not the nominal rule of the people…” Another goal of progressivism is to make sure that there is an elimination of the social and industrial injustices that have been imposed on people by the government. Another goal is to protect the people’s social welfare and to ensure that there is the prohibition of child labor; and ensure that working hours and conditions are favorable for all individuals (Robertson, 2015). The creation of economic reform for all Americans is a goal of progressivism that was highlighted by Roosevelt. The nature of the commercial change rose from the comprehension that capitalism was unfair for the Americans and from the fact that the politicians and the government displayed a particular preference when it came to large businesses in so doing limiting the competition.

Progressives addressed several areas of society. One of the sectors is consumers’ welfare. Progressives seek to protect the consumers’ health by ensuring that the interests of the consumers are controlled. Progressives understand that without appropriate control, the corporations that are large corporations, particularly those in the manufacturing area, tending to deplete natural resources and destroying the environment pollution (Robertson, 2015). Another area that progressives address is by ensuring workers are not exploited by large industries, which only puts more focus on their profitability instead of putting their attention on the workers’ welfare. Not putting more emphasis on the workers’ health exposes the workers to unfortunate working conditions and pay that is low. Progressives and primarily Roosevelt pursued the protection of the welfare of all consumers and the public by ensuring that there is control of interests.

Analyze the progressive achievements Roosevelt highlights in his speech?

Roosevelt highlights several progressive achievements in his speech. One of the accomplishments is revealed when he stated that the administration that was present did everything it could in its power to undo the most valuable work that has been done in conservation. He went further to state that the protection is especially in securing to the people the right to regulate the water power franchise in the public interest (Roosevelt, 1912). When highlighting this achievement, Roosevelt described the significance of introducing social justice to all Americans regardless of the high proportion of industrial development. Another success is the initiative his predecessor took when it came to enhancing changes in society by ensuring that there is a transformation in the interests of the ordinary people in the nation and the American lives. Roosevelt acknowledged the policies that were created that advocated for the rights and welfare of workers.

References

Pestritto, R. J., & Atto, W. J. (2008). American progressivism: A reader. Lanham, MD:

Lexington Books.

Robertson, D. B. (2015). The progressive era. Oxford handbook of US social policy, 41-58.

Roosevelt, T. (1912). Theodore Roosevelt Papers: Series 5: Speeches and Executive Orders –

1918; Subseries 5A: Speeches and Executive Orders, -1918; 1912, Aug. 6-1918, Feb. 24. [Manuscript & Mixed Material] Retrieved from the Library of Congress,

https://www.loc.gov/item/mss382990696/.