A. Inquiry Plan To what extent have progressive ideals changed the political process? To answer this question, this investigation will focus on the Progressive Era, also known as the period between 1890 and 1920, during which the United States experienced political, social, and economic reforms. This investigation will mainly focus on the political aspect of these reforms. The Progressive Campaign's reform plan first appeared in 1890, when Americans emphasized the ideal that the state should have greater responsibility while also desiring a government with more regulations. To study these changes and the ideals that led to them, a careful examination will be made of the interpretations of the progressive movement as well as the amendments, regulations, and reforms that were established during this period.B. Summary of Evidence The early origins of the Progressive Era can be traced to the 1880s; however, it was in 1890 that the real form of the Progressive campaign took place (Mowry 4). By 1890, American cities were growing rapidly. There were more than 22 million people living in cities with populations greater than 2,500. As the urban population grew, so did the perception of urban problems, which would become a central force in the essence of progressive ideals (Gould 3). The problems led the people to believe that change had to be executed by the government. A Republican politician, La Follette defined progressivism with this statement: “The will of the people should be the law of the land. Constitutions, statutes, and all the intricate details of government are but instruments for carrying out the will of the people, and when they fail... they must... middle of paper…… form. » National Civic Review 94.3 (2005): 20-28. America: History and Life Web March 28, 2014. Milkis, Sidney M. Theodore Roosevelt, the Progressive Party, and the Transformation of American Democracy Lawrence, Kan. Kansas, 2009. Print.Mowry, George E. Theodore Roosevelt and the Progressive Movement Madison: University of Wisconsin, 1946. Print.Sanders Romero, Francine “The Impact of Direct Elections on Reform Votes in the United States Senate.” Quarterly (Wiley-Blackwell) 88.3 (2007): 816-829. America: History and Life. March 28, 2014. Utter, Glenn H. and Ruth Ann. Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 1997. Print.Wright, Gerald C. “Charles Adrian and the Study of Nonpartisan Elections.” America: History and Life. Internet. March 28. 2014.