Mrs. Ruland's U.S. History Class Project
Political Corruption and the Spoils System
Robbie and Philip
Political corruption throughout history has seen multiple reforms in order to help suppress the amount of political corruption from occurring in our supposed free government. Political corruption has always been a problem in our government because it goes against every principle that this great country of America has been raised on. The Progressive Movement truly emphasized the need for political reform to end corruption but all of the movements such as the Populists, the Progressives, and even the New Deal movements have all led to try and limit the amount of political corruption. Although, it can never be stopped because no man will ever be perfect enough to control himself from jealousy, envy, and greed. These reforms have allowed the amount of corruption to diminish.
Political Corruption -- The American Role Model
This web site gives examples of political corruption shown throughout history. It ranges from Tweeds Ring to the White Water Scandal. This web site does not necessarily show reforms that have been made but shows where reforms were needed during the time period and even today.
This site gives background on how political machines were established and can become a huge influence in local governments. It also goes into tell how the Progressive Era and the federal government has undermined political machines, and how the have diminished with government intervention.
The Basis of the Populist Movement
This site is a very useful web site that gives a detailed description of the basis of the Populist movement by giving the Populist Platform which also explains the reasons why the Populists wanted what they did.
This site is an excellent example of how corruption was the United States government in the 1920s. This site gives the details of the corruption of Senator of the Interior, Albert B. Fall. This web site shows the consequences of political corruption and how it stained the Harding Administration.
This web site explains the life of a man who was an excellent example of political corruption of his time. He grew up to work for the people then greed overwhelmed him and he began the long journey of political corruption. This site is gives an excellent example of political corruption in the 1920s.
The Basis of the Progressive Movement
This web site gives the backbone of the entire Progressive Movement. It shows what the Progressives wanted and why they wanted it. This web site shows how the Progressive Movement slowly purged political corruption throughout the United States with success after success.
This web site goes into the background information of the Progressive Party and what changes they wanted to see in government. It gives a basis of why they think think certain reforms were necessary and how they could be accomplished.
This site gives background into what kind of success the Progressive Party saw. It goes into detail about how the amendment reflect some of their ideals It also shows the goals which the Progressives had set for themselves.
This is an excellent web site that really show how and what the New Deal did for the people of the United States in the 1930s. It shows how the New Deal set a precedent for government involvement in economic affairs. This web site also has link to see the view of those who thought that the New Deal was unfit for the government.
Last updated March 28, 2008
© Marcella Ruland 1998-2008, All rights reserved
