Governing Wisconsin From the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau The Wisconsin Idea WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? ROOTS OF THE IDEA The third factor that gave rise to the Wisconsin Idea had to do with the Wisconsin is known for many things, The Wisconsin Idea grew out of a contributions of Charles McCarthy, including, in no particular order, the series of fortunate circumstances. who, after receiving his Ph.D. in Green Bay Packers, the Badgers, brats, Wisconsin became a state in 1848, and American history from the university, cheese, dairy farms, Harley Davidson one year later the university was found himself in need of a job. In 1901 motorcycles, numerous lakes and established. The fact that the Univer- McCarthy, an Irish immigrant from streams, and abundant natural beauty. sity of Wisconsin campus and the seat Brockton, Massachusetts, found work However, perhaps the most far reach- of state government were both located as a legislative documents clerk. From ing and significant aspect of our in Madison, barely a mile apart, this modest beginning, McCarthy went identity as a state is not a readily provided a natural connection which on to shape the future of Wisconsin recognizable icon or tangible product facilitated the partnership that soon state government. He transformed the but a concept, or more specifically, an developed. The proximity of the seat job of collecting state documents into idea—an idea that has come to be of learning and the seat of government, a new agency that became the primary known as the “Wisconsin Idea.” coupled with the fact that both institu- source of information for legislators tions were organized at about the same and state government. The Legislative What exactly is the Idea and why is it time, provided the fertile environment Reference Library was more than a important? Why is there a “Wisconsin for the Idea to take root. repository of documents: it served as a Idea” but not an “Illinois Idea” or a clearinghouse of ideas, information, “Minnesota Idea”? What concepts are The second fortuitous circumstance and knowledge. McCarthy’s diligence reflected by the Idea and how do they was the friendship between Charles and enthusiasm, and his association distinguish us from the residents of Van Hise, president of the University with progressive thinkers at the other states? of Wisconsin from 1903 to 1918, and university, made him a key resource Robert M. La Follette, governor of for legislators seeking to enact legisla- The Wisconsin Idea has meant differ- Wisconsin from 1901 to 1905. The tion. McCarthy is also credited with ent things to different people at former North Hall dorm friends popularizing the Wisconsin Idea. He different times. Educators, bureau- worked closely together and shared the wrote a book with that title and crats, scientists, writers, and politi- view that professors should put their documented the remarkable range of cians have all used the expression in academic research and technical legislative initiatives that resulted from differing contexts to refer to an aspect expertise to use by helping state the partnership of politicians, profes- of the relationship between the Univer- government solve social and political sors, and administrators. sity of Wisconsin, state government in problems. Van Hise declared that he Wisconsin, and the citizens of Wiscon- “would never be content until the THE IDEA BEARS FRUIT sin. The most commonly offered beneficent influence of the university definition of the Wisconsin Idea is that reaches every family in the state.” The combination of fortunate coinci- “the boundaries of the University are “Fighting Bob” La Follette, leader of dences created the climate that led to the boundaries of the state,” which the Progressive movement, who later the birth of the Wisconsin Idea; it was refers to the University of Wisconsin’s served in the U.S. Senate, stated that the need for practical solutions to service to Wisconsin state government his goal was to take advantage of the problems facing the state, though, that and Wisconsin citizens. However, this resources of the university to nourished the Idea and gave it sub- definition falls short of explaining strengthen state government. He did stance. what the Idea actually means or the this by appointing more than 40 programs, policies, and products that university professors to various state A first beneficiary was the Wisconsin have stemmed from the Idea. The first boards and commissions. dairy industry. When Wisconsin first step in understanding the Wisconsin became a state, wheat was the most Idea is to look at the context that first important crop and dairy farming was gave it life. LRB secondary. Due to problems caused by Serving the Legislature since 1901 diseases and pests, soil depletion, and Following the Progressive era, the uneasy relationship between the fluctuating prices, Wisconsin farmers intellectual and creative energy nur- university, the governor, and the began to look for ways to diversify and tured by the Idea continued to inspire legislature—often impacted by budget increase profits. To do this they looked both researcher and administrator. issues—has at times been a disincen- to the university for technical help. They included such luminaries as tive to cooperation. The College of Agriculture produced valuable research and provided “The Wisconsin tradition Although it can be argued that the practical tools which directly led to meant more than simple belief Wisconsin Idea does not have the Wisconsin’s status as “America’s same power it once did as an engine in the people. It also meant a Dairyland.” Stephen Babcock, a that drives social and political change, university chemist, developed a faith in the application of it is still significant to our identity as a simple, accurate test to determine the intelligence and reason to the state and is an enduring element of fat content of milk. Cheese makers problems of society. It meant our social fabric. Nationally, the Idea used the Babcock Test to evaluate the a deep conviction that the role has come to epitomize an enlightened quality of milk, and the test was of government was not to role of government that exists solely invaluable in producing quality stumble along like a drunkard to serve the people. Adlai Stevenson, cheese. Other research focused on in the dark, but to light its way statesman, Illinois governor, and two- such diverse topics as round silos, by the best torches of knowl- time candidate for president in the tuberculosis in cattle, potato research, edge and understanding that 1950s, saw its significance in a larger and how to keep cans of peas from it could find.” context: “The Wisconsin tradition exploding. In addition, the university —Adlai Stevenson meant more than simple belief in the offered “farmer institutes” and “short people. It also meant a faith in the courses,” which were held during the environmentalists John Muir and Aldo application of intelligence and reason winter, were of short duration, and Leopold, and Edwin Witte, the archi- to the problems of society. It meant a required only a “common school tect of social security, who was both a deep conviction that the role of education.” The programs, with their university economist and state admin- government was not to stumble along emphasis on providing farmers with istrator. like a drunkard in the dark, but to light practical advice, were an immediate its way by the best torches of knowl- success. It was estimated that 50,000 THE WISCONSIN IDEA TODAY edge and understanding that it could farmers attended the first sessions. find.” The influence of the Wisconsin Idea Wisconsin’s farmers and dairy industry was at its height during the first part of The sharing of ideas and expertise benefited greatly from the research the 20th century when it served as a between the university and state and discoveries attributable to the blueprint for political and social government has been a constant for enterprising climate associated with reform. Since that time, several factors over a century. That relationship, the Wisconsin Idea. As important as have contributed to a gradual lessening expressed by the phrase “Wisconsin these contributions were, they were of its influence on policymakers. The Idea,” has come to describe the primarily technical and practical in first is obvious: the relationship partnership between the academic nature and designed to remedy existing between La Follette and Van Hise was world and government for the benefit problems. Equally as important were unique, and the impetus for change that of the common good. The discoveries, the governmental reforms that were grew from their relationship ebbed inventions, and legislation that can be enacted. This legislation was innova- when they left their respective offices. considered the fruit of the Idea have tive and visionary and a direct out- Other factors have more to do with the improved and enriched the lives not growth of the principles of good changing political climate and the only of Wisconsin residents but also government embodied by the Wiscon- growth of government. The profession- of the entire nation. Wisconsin sin Idea. Laws were adopted to make alization of the legislature and the pioneered that approach and led the government more responsive to the growth of the executive branch can be way as other states took note of the people rather than special interests and viewed both as a byproduct of the Idea benefits and prosperity that followed. included reforms of the election and as a broader source of public Today that model of institutional process, civil service, minimum wage policy expertise that reduces reliance cooperation is commonplace at the and fair employment practices, worker on the university. Similarly, the growth federal level as well as in most states. ______safety, taxation, and utility regulation. of interest groups representing all parts By Lawrence Barish, Research Manager Many of these laws were the first of of the political spectrum makes more Published by the LRB, Madison WI their type and served as the model for information more readily available to http://www.legis.state.wi.us/lrb/GW legislation in the rest of the nation. policymakers. Also, the sometimes No. 15, March 2006 Governing Wisconsin: “The Wisconsin Idea”
Study Questions
List three ways in which the 1 Wisconsin Idea influenced the rest of the nation.
Why did Charles Van Hise and “Fighting Bob” La Follette think that a relationship between the 2 government and the university would “strengthen state government"?
How are the Packer Cheeseheads 3 and the Wisconsin Idea related?
Look back at the quote by Adlai Stevenson. What problems in 4 policy making was the Wisconsin Idea trying to prevent?
In 1921, the UW Regents turned down private money for research, arguing that the gift would violate 5 the principle of democratic state education. Is this consistent with the Wisconsin Idea?
The Regents' decision (see item 5) in 1921 did not hold. Today, more than half of the UW's budget 6 comes from private and federal funding. What are some effects of this changing relationship?
Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau See: www.legis.wisconsin.gov/lrb/gw/ GW-SQ-No. 15 Governing Wisconsin: “The Wisconsin Idea”
Study Questions in the Cognitive Domain
The Wisconsin Idea inspired reforms, such as minimum List three ways in which the wage, civil service, worker safety, tax reform, and utility 1 Wisconsin Idea influenced the rest regulation, that later served as a model for the rest of the of the nation. Cognition nation.
Why did Charles Van Hise and “Fighting Bob” La Follette think These two friends thought the research done at the that a relationship between the university could help the government make informed 2 government and the university policy decisions. The university could help find practical
would “strengthen state solutions to state problems. Comprehension government"?
UW–Madison chemist, Stephan Babcock, developed a fat test for cheese, which encouraged struggling wheat How are the Packer Cheeseheads farmers to change to dairy farming. This relationship 3 and the Wisconsin Idea related? between the state and the university helped to make Wisconsin “America’s Dairyland.” The Packers' famous Application cheesehead hats proudly symbolize this.
Look back at the quote by Adlai If decisions are not based on reason, they could be based Stevenson. What problems in on, among other things, unsupported personal opinion, 4 policy making was the Wisconsin self-interests, interests of the party, superstition, public Analysis Idea trying to prevent? pressure, or tradition.
In 1921, the UW Regents turned The Regents saw their decision as protecting the down private money for research, Wisconsin Idea. If the UW took private research money, arguing that the gift would violate its efforts would be directed toward private interests and 5 the principle of democratic state not the common good. The Regents also felt it was the education. Is this consistent with state's responsibility to fund research at public Synthesis the Wisconsin Idea? universities.
The Regents' decision (see item 5) (1) That the UW competes for, and wins, outside funds in 1921 did not hold. Today, more allows it to remain a top university; (2) the federal than half of the UW's budget government plays a larger role in funding research for the 6 comes from private and federal common good; (3) the state feels less obligated to fund funding. What are some effects of research when the UW gets outside money; and (4) Evaluation this changing relationship? research might be guided by private interests.
Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau See: www.legis.wisconsin.gov/lrb/gw/ GW-SQ-No. 15