Roosevelt’s Square Deal helped to improve the living standards for many Americans. Which statement does NOT reflect one of the main tenets of Roosevelt’s Square Deal?
A. Big Stick Policy
Correct! “Speak softly and carry a big stick” was not domestic, but foreign policy under Theodore Roosevelt which advocated diplomacy backed by military preparedness.
B. Conservation of natural resources
Incorrect. Theodore Roosevelt did initiate legislation to conserve national parks and forest lands.
C. Consumer protection
Incorrect. Theodore Roosevelt was responsible for the investigation of meat packing plants in Chicago and initiation of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act.
D. Control of Corporations
Incorrect. Theodore Roosevelt was known as the “trust-buster” for his persistent suits against “bad trusts” or monopolies which harmed the public.
What conclusion can you draw from this comment made by Theodore Roosevelt in his autobiography?
“It is the duty of the President to act upon the theory that he is the steward of the people, and that the proper attitude for him to take is that he is bound to assume that he has the legal right to do whatever the needs of the people demand, unless the Constitution or the laws explicitly forbid him to do it.” (Roosevelt, Theodore. Theodore Roosevelt – An Autobiography. New York: Macmillan, 1913.)
A. Roosevelt was cautious in wielding his power as President.
Incorrect. His “steward of the people” philosophy of government led him to actively propose legislation and lead progressive reforms.
B. Roosevelt believed that Congress was the proper place to initiate reforms.
Incorrect. The executive branch under his leadership promoted conservation, control of trusts, and consumer protection.
C. Roosevelt believed that as President it was his duty to be the people’s advocate to do whatever was necessary for the public good unless a law forbade it.
Correct! Roosevelt has been called the first modern president due to his policy that the federal government is responsible for the national welfare on many levels.
D. Due to separation of powers built into the U.S. Constitution, the President is forbidden to take an active role in legislation.
Incorrect. The system of checks and balances allows the President to push for legislation which he deems important.
Choose the correct statement based on your analysis of the political cartoon.
A. Roosevelt earned his “trust-busting” reputation by taming the wild lions which represent powerful companies that harmed the public good.
Correct! Northern Securities Co. was a railroad trust forced to break up by the Supreme Court. Swift Company, the beef trust, was also sued.
B. Roosevelt, the youngest President at age 42, is being portrayed as the powerful athlete he was in real life.
Incorrect. Although known for his physical prowess and love for sports, the cartoon symbolizes his power to control unfair business practices.
C. Roosevelt was a supporter of big business and was friendly to Wall Street financiers.
Incorrect. The cartoonist shows Wall Street corporations to be “bad trusts” because they are dangerous lions, and Roosevelt is “whipping” them into obedience or controlling them.
D. The cartoon shows the Progressives’ dislike for Roosevelt’s domineering and power-hungry policies.
Incorrect. The cartoon seems to support Roosevelt’s role because the trusts are portrayed as wild beasts and Roosevelt as a protector in hero’s garb. The Progressives advocated the same reforms which Roosevelt carried out.
Which of the following acts strengthened the ICC by banning and prosecuting railroad companies that awarded rebates?
A. Elkins Act
Correct! This law strengthened the ICC by outlawing rebates by railroad companies.
B. Pure Food and Drug Act
Incorrect. This act banned food or drugs that were impure or falsely labeled to be made or sold.
C. Newlands Reclamation Act
Incorrect. This act authorized federal support for building irrigation dams in the West.
D. Meat Inspection Act
Incorrect. This act involved inspecting meat to improve consumer safety.