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To Boss or To Manage?
Overview
Summary:
After familiarizing themselves with the debate over a strong mayor versus a city manager municipal government system, students explore the historical roots of these systems by investigating boss politics and Progressive reform efforts at the turn of the 20th century. They conclude by writing opinion pieces to local newspapers and conducting a mock campaign modeled after the political machines and the Progressive reformers of the early 20th century.
Curriculum Connections:
U.S. history, government, marketing, language arts
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the origins of Progressivism;
- Explore the ways political machines and then Progressives addressed the problems of industrialization and urbanization;
- Compare and contrast machine and reform politics;
- Consider why working class and immigrant Americans tended to reject Progressivism;
- Gain practice in writing position or opinion papers;
- Ponder how Progressivism impacts us today.
Materials Needed:
Library materials, Internet access, basic art supplies for making posters, advertisements and leaflets for the mock campaign. A video camera (optional) could be used in the mock campaign.
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