ABSTRACT
The phases of the progressive movement are: removing corrupt, special influence from government; modifying the structure of government to make it easier for the people to control; and using the government so restored to the people to relieve social and economic distress. To realize itself fully, a city must, as the exercise of purely local functions is concerned, be free from the domination of the state legislature—must, in other words, have municipal home rule. The progressive city should, as a second step, adopt that form of city charter that will afford to its voters the largest opportunity for direct and effective participation in municipal affairs. Municipal home rule, simplified city charters and efficient administration are not ends in themselves, but merely means to an end. In the absence of constitutional prohibition, therefore, there is no limit to the number and no qualification of the kind of acts concerning cities which the legislature may pass.
