text: how did progressivism contrast with the ideas of the founding fathers? this is in the pre-war era, 1890 to 1912.  more specifically, how was progressivism and the reforms it sought a departure from the political and economical ideas of the founders such as jefferson and madison? the founders were wealthy, well-educated, land-owning white men, and their political and economic views reflect that. the constitution is essentially a prescription for keeping power in that select group, and looking at the world today, was very successful in its aim.  progressivism differed in that it sought to empower and protect people outside the select class, specifically poor people and immigrants. of course, both groups--the progressives and the founders--sought to empower themselves. the difference is that the progressives were poor while the founders were rich.