Question

Explain what the supporters of the Wisconsin Idea hoped to achieve by bringing in experts and applying scientific ideas to government.

Answer 1

Example Answer: Experts would be more knowledgeable about what types of reforms would improve business and government. Using advice from experts would make government more efficient. The new process could lead to laws that were more fair and responsible, representing everyone’s interests. More power could be put into the hands of the people.

Answer 2

The supporters of the Wisconsin idea wanted universities and governments to support one another, in order to make sure that universities had the proper funding and accessibility to make their research benefit everyone in society. This meant that governments should fund university research and other costs, and that universities should devote this research to problems that would benefit society to solve.