Question

progressive era: problems and reforms
directions: read the problems explained in the “progressive problems” section and then rank the problems in order, 1 being the most severe problem and 9 being the least severe problem. then write how you would solve the problem in the box labeled “your solution.” finally, read about how the problem was addressed and reforms made in the box labeled “reform”.
ranking progressive problem your solution reform
racism: in 1896, the u.s. supreme court ruled jim crow laws which promoted segregation were legal, as long as facilities were provided that were separate but equal. the federal government also practiced institutionalized racism by discriminating against blacks in hiring for jobs.
women’s rights: even though some women had been agitating for suffrage (right to vote) for over fifty years, the vote was still limited to men. women also received lower wages than men and carried the burden of urban poverty.
conservation: some areas of the country were plagued with drought, while others faced terrible flooding. logging companies used land indiscriminately, destroying old forests that had taken centuries to grow.
working conditions: members of the working class

Explanation:

Racism was a fundamental social - justice issue that affected the dignity and rights of an entire group. Women's rights were also crucial for gender equality. Conservation was important for environmental sustainability and future - proofing resources. Working conditions were vital for the well - being of the working class. Ranking is subjective, but racism often has far - reaching and deep - seated impacts, so it could be ranked highly.

Answer:

Ranking for Racism: 1
Your solution: Enact and enforce anti - discrimination laws, promote education on racial equality, and support affirmative action policies.
Reform: Civil rights movement in later years led to the passage of laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Ranking for Women’s Rights: 2
Your solution: Lobby for constitutional amendments and laws guaranteeing equal pay and suffrage, and support women's organizations.
Reform: The 19th Amendment in 1920 gave women the right to vote, and later equal - pay laws were passed.

Ranking for Conservation: 3
Your solution: Implement land - use regulations, create protected areas, and promote sustainable forestry practices.
Reform: Establishment of national parks and forest reserves, and development of conservation policies.

Ranking for Working Conditions: 4
Your solution: Strengthen labor unions, enforce safety regulations, and set minimum - wage standards.
Reform: Passage of labor laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act which set minimum wage and maximum working hours.