<P> All the Southern states (and Oklahoma) used devices to disenfranchise black voters during the Progressive Era . Typically the progressive elements in those states pushed for disenfranchisement, often fighting against the conservatism of the Black Belt whites . A major reason given was that whites routinely purchased black votes to control elections, and it was easier to disenfranchise blacks than to go after powerful white men . </P> <P> In the North, Progressives such as William U'Ren and Robert La Follette argued that the average citizen should have more control over his government . The Oregon System of "Initiative, Referendum, and Recall" was exported to many states, including Idaho, Washington, and Wisconsin . Many progressives, such as George M. Forbes, president of Rochester's Board of Education, hoped to make government in the U.S. more responsive to the direct voice of the American people when he said: </P> <P> (W) e are now intensely occupied in forging the tools of democracy, the direct primary, the initiative, the referendum, the recall, the short ballot, commission government . But in our enthusiasm we do not seem to be aware that these tools will be worthless unless they are used by those who are aflame with the sense of brotherhood...The idea (of the social centers movement is) to establish in each community an institution having a direct and vital relation to the welfare of the neighborhood, ward, or district, and also to the city as a whole </P> <P> Philip J. Ethington seconds this high view of direct democracy saying: </P>

What was not included as part of the legacy of the progressive movement in the united states