What type of reforms did the Progressive Movement seek on the municipal level?

The Progressive Movement was characterized by a strong emphasis on addressing corruption within municipal governments. Reformers sought to establish more democratic and transparent governance structures to combat the inefficiencies and ethical lapses often associated with machine politics and corrupt officials. These city government reforms included measures such as the introduction of the commission and city manager forms of government, implementing civil service exams to ensure that officials were qualified for their positions, and promoting the use of referendums and initiatives to give citizens more control over local policies.

The focus on eliminating corruption was crucial because many cities in the early 20th century were plagued by scandals and graft, which undermined public trust and efficiency. By addressing these issues, the Progressive Movement aimed to create a cleaner and more responsible local government that would serve the interests of all citizens rather than a select few. This commitment to municipal reform was one of the hallmarks of the broader Progressive agenda, which sought to tackle societal problems through systematic and well-planned changes at various levels of government.