Progressive Legislation Timeline

  • Hepburn Act

    This act gave the Interstate Commerce Commission the power to regulate the railroads.
  • Pure Food and Drug Act

    This prohibited the sale of misbranded or adulterated food and drugs in interstate commerce.
  • Meat Inspection Act

    This act prohibited the sale of adulterated or misbranded livestock and derived products as food and ensured that all meat would be sanitarily slaughtered and processed livestock.
  • 16th Amendment

    The 16th Amendment allowed Congress to issue an income tax without having to determine based on the population.
  • 17th Amendment

    The 17th Amendment gave a direct election for U.S. senators by the voters of each state.
  • Federal Reserve Act

    This Act allowed the legislation that created the Federal Reserve System in the United States.
  • Federal Trade Commission Act

    This act allowed the FTC agency to investigate and prevent unfair methods of competition, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices affecting commerce.
  • Clayton Antitrust Act

    This act aimed to promote fair competition and prevent unfair business practices that could harm consumers when they buy the product.
  • 18th Amendment

    The 18th Amendment made all alcoholic beverages illegal to sell, transport, and make.
  • 19th Amendment

    The 19th Amendment granted the right for women to vote.