What did many progressives believe was the key to improving government

Many progressives believed that the key to improving government was to increase its transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness to the needs of the people. They advocated for various reforms aimed at addressing the perceived problems and shortcomings in government and society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some key beliefs and proposed reforms included:

1. Direct Democracy: Progressives supported the idea of direct democracy, which involves giving citizens more direct influence over legislation and policy. This led to the introduction of initiatives, referendums, and recall elections to allow citizens to participate more directly in the democratic process.
2. Efficiency and Expertise: Progressives believed in the importance of applying scientific and expert knowledge to government administration. They argued for the implementation of more efficient and rational methods in government operations, advocating for the use of trained professionals and experts to manage public affairs.
3. Regulation of Big Business: Progressives sought to address the perceived excesses and abuses of big business and industrialization. They advocated for antitrust laws to break up monopolies and promote competition. The goal was to prevent unfair business practices, protect consumers, and ensure a more equitable distribution of economic power.
4. Civil Service Reform: Progressives aimed to reduce corruption and patronage in government hiring by implementing civil service reforms. They called for the establishment of merit-based systems for hiring and promoting government employees, emphasizing qualifications and competence over political connections.
5. Social Welfare and Labor Protections: Progressives pushed for social reforms and labor protections to improve the living and working conditions of ordinary citizens. This included advocating for laws regulating working hours, minimum wages, and workplace safety.
6. Political Reforms: Progressives sought to enhance democracy by implementing political reforms. They supported the direct election of senators (17th Amendment), women's suffrage (19th Amendment), and other measures to make the political system more inclusive and responsive to a broader segment of the population.

In summary, many progressives believed that by introducing these reforms, government could become more accountable, responsive, and capable of addressing the social and economic challenges of the time. Their efforts contributed to a period of significant reform in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.