Progressive Legislation Timeline

Pure Food and Drug Act

Jun 30, 1905

This act prohibited the sale of misbranded food and drugs in interstate commerce. This was to regulate the safety and quality of food and drugs for the public

Antiquities Act

Jun 8, 1906

This act put a law in place to protect cultural, scientific, and historically relevant places under the federal government. The government could declare historical landmarks and provide protection.

Hepburn Act

Jun 29, 1906

The Hepburn Act gave power to the interstate Commerce Commission to regulate railroads. This gave the federal government more power for regulations, specifically with railroads.

Meat Inspection Act

Jun 30, 1906

The meat Inspection Act prohibited the sanitary process of meat. It also introduced stricter sanitary guidelines slaughter for meat.

16th Amendment

Feb 3, 1909

This allowed the government to tax based on income. They didn't base the tax on the census, as they changed over to income.

Mann-Elkins Act

1910

This act gave the Interstate Commerce Commission the power to set rates for freight. This gave the Interstate Commerce Commission more power over the railroad industry.

Workers Compensation Act

1911

Employers were required to provide insurance coverage for their employees for work related injuries. This also gave the employee compensation without having to prove negligence from their employer.

17th Amendment

Apr 8, 1913

The 17th amendment changed the elections of the senators to direct elections from the people. This changed from an election for senators from state legislatures.

Federal Reserve Act

Dec 23, 1913

The Federal Reserve Act created the Federal Reserve System. This gave the federal government more power to regulate and oversee the economy.

Federal Trade Commission Act

Sep 26, 1914

The Federal Trade Commission Act prohibited and outlined unfair competition and practices. This promoted fair and free trade.

Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914

Oct 8, 1914

The Clayton Antitrust Act prohibited and detailed unethical business practices, prohibited monopolies, price fixing, and showed labor rights.

Keating-Owen Act

Sep 1, 1916

The Keating-Owen Act restricted child labor. It was the first law to have restrictions on child labor.

Adamson Act

Sep 3, 1916

The Adamson Act established an 8 hour work day. It also established paying for overtime for interstate railroad workers.

18th Amendment

Jan 16, 1919

The 18th Amendment prohibited the sale and manufacturing of alcohol. This took the US into the prohibition era.

19th Amendment

Jun 4, 1919

The 19th amendment gave women the right to vote. It stated that the US could not block a person from voting based on their sex.

Volstead Act

Oct 28, 1919

The Volstead Act enforced and detailed the 18th amendment. The Volstead act enforced the illegal manufacturing and sale of alcohol.