Reform was the goal of the Progressive movement, and it was in this spirit that the reformers achieved great success. Progressive reformers were composed primarily of middle-class men and women whose two main goals were to limit trusts and improve living and working conditions. These people were from both political parties at the time, as well as from every region of the country and at every level of government. They wanted to remove corrupt members of the legislature so that fair laws and regulations could be passed that would benefit the people rather than power-hungry corporations. This major movement has changed every aspect of life, creating a better living and working environment for people. Progressive Era reformers and the federal government developed the political, social, and economic elements for the betterment of the country. The Progressive Era marked the change in politics at that time for the good of the people. People in the progressive movement attempted to create a referendum, which meant that laws would have to be put to a final vote to be approved by the people. This would eliminate traitorous officials who were elected and then bribed by corporations in exchange for special favors. In Herbert Croly's The New Republic, he stated that people cannot really believe that legislation will do what is best for the people (Document F). He also explains how Wilson would eliminate corruption by passing a few laws to prevent such corruption. They also began pushing for the direct election of U.S. senators. In a speech by Teddy Roosevelt, he explained that senators should vote for the people rather than for an electoral college so that once again no member of the college could be bought (Document D). Pr...... middle of paper ......lroads gave special rates to certain shippers in exchange for them continuing to do business with the railroad company. In the Clayton Antitrust Act it says that no person in commerce can regulate price rates between different buyers (Document E). Otherwise, it would create a monopoly in any business sector. However, the Elkins Act of 1903 imposed heavy fines on companies that did this. The Hepburn Act of 1906 also cracked down on the depravity of the railroad companies. The Underwood tariff bill lowered rates on imports. Another important change was the progressive income tax. The Federal Reserve Act created the Federal Reserve Board, authorized to issue paper money backed by commercial paper. This increased the rate of money flow throughout the country, allowing many businesses to survive critical financial crises..