In a paragraph and your own words, explain what the role of the Supreme Court was during the Progressive Era. What was one court case during this time and what was the lasting effects from it?

Answer 1

During the Progressive Era, the Supreme Court played a critical role in shaping social and economic reforms by interpreting the Constitution in ways that reflected the changing values of society. This period, spanning from the late 1890s to the early 1920s, saw the Court balance individual rights against government regulation aimed at improving public welfare, labor rights, and social justice. One significant case from this era was Muller v. Oregon (1908), where the Supreme Court upheld a law restricting women’s working hours based on the state’s interest in protecting women's health and welfare. The decision set a precedent for labor laws and gender-based legislation, leading to broader discussions about the role of the state in regulating work conditions and ultimately influencing future labor rights advancements.