An excellent article describing the Russian legislature (Congress of People's Deputies). Explains how and why this government instution was created. Also examines the various groups and factions which comprised this legislative body.

President of Poland from 1989 until the election of Lech Walesa in 1990, Wojciech Jaruzelski was an instrumental figure in the political reforms of Poland, including recognition of the Solidarity movement.

Check out this amazing interactive site that shows you primary documents outlining the 17th amendment proposal (click on any document) for popular election of senators, provided by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

Read and study the sources about political machines, corruption, and Progressive reforms. Then use the four sources and your knowledge of U.S. history to answer the questions.

This site clearly defines the reform amendments that where placed upon the Hatch Act in 1993.

Article introduces era of political and social reform known as Progressivism, in late 19th through early 20th Centuries.

This British website is home to a not-for-profit group promoting alternative democratic voting systems. Students studying representative government can examine if Canada's current First-Past-the-Post system best suits Canada's changing...

This resource, a speech by Woodrow Wilson to Congress on April 8, 1913, gives a great review of how the United States transformed from from a rural country to an urban one. It includes a review of industrialization, new inventions,...

[Free Registration/Login Required] A great look at the Progressive Era, the issues dealt with at that time, and the legistlation passed to help alleviate social ills. Read about the great range of personalities and viewpoints that drove...

Wikipedia provides an encyclopedia article on the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act.

Political boss George Washington Plunkitt explains how big city politics work, and reformer Lincoln Steffens, in an excerpt from The Shame of the Cities, attacks the corruption Plunkitt represents.

This article explores the state of the democratic reforms in Jordan which appears to be good but there is a danger that pressure from Islamist groups may undermine these reforms. Requires Adobe Reader. [PDF]

Describes the rise of the Reform Party in Canada, its history, and where it started.

This site discusses the birth of the Progressive movement came about when the ascension of Theodore Roosevelt to the presidency after the assassination of William McKinley and the new face of American politics that sought to reform...

The Free Reformed Church of Kelmscott gives a detailed overview of Deborah: her life, her ministry, her political power, and a description of her religious influence today.

Politics in the last half of the 19th century reflected mediocrity at best and corruption at worst. Read about the series of "forgettable presidents," beginning with Andrew Johnson. Find out how big business could buy the government that...

This detailed biography of Susan B. Anthony provides sections that focus on her work as an abolitionist, education reformer, labor activist, temperance worker, suffragist, and women's rights campaigner.

This is a concise description of the turmoil in the Republican Party leading up to the campaign and election of 1880. How or whether to reform the patronage system was at the heart of the selection of a candidate. Find out about the...

Wonderful group lesson from Mt. Carmel High School that lets your students select a political party and do research and an oral presentation on that party.

A look at the rebirth of the Renaissance in the context of five interrelated issues: a renewed interest in classical antiquity and the concept of "the Great Chain of Being", political changes, Humanism, the literary doctrine of...

Site provides information on the major concepts that fueled the Chicano Movement: focus on politics, economic change, education reform, challenging the Catholic Church, cultural renaissance, and Chicano expression.

1896, A Website of Political Cartoons is an excellent site that includes a detailed biography and historical accounts from that time. Provides links to related subjects.

NOW looks at the third parties, the candidates, and platforms, in October, 2004, for the 2004 Presidential election. Biographical information and video discussions can be found on this page.

Check out this primary source pamphlet written by Jane Addams, who pushed for a woman's right to vote during the Progressive Era.