Copyright, 1904, BY LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY. All rights reserved Published October, 1904 THE UNIVERSITY PRESS PREFACE THE basis of this book is the material consulted in the preparation of the author's larger works,-"A Constitutional History of the American People, 17761850," and "The Constitutional History of the United States, 1765-1895,"- the former a narrative of the civil development of the states; the latter, of the federal union. The present volume narrates the constitutional history both of the Union and of the states, showing the common basis of American local and general government. In a book of small compass, adapted to those who desire the essentials of our civil development, it has seemed sufficient if there were related, (1) the origin of our civil system; (2) the principles on which it is founded; (3) the adaptation of the plan of government to public needs, by amendment and construction; and, (4) the interpretation of the principles of the government by the supreme tribunal,the courts. The chapters on the state constitutions treat of a subject too much neglected. A study of the subject quickly reveals its importance. Since 1865 the thought of Americans has turned chiefly to national matters, not 131647 without a distinct decay of interest in commonwealth affairs. Yet it is in the state constitutions adopted since 1865 that one may read the record of serious attempts to adapt the written form of government to the immediate needs of the people. The Constitution, with citation of cases, printed as an appendix, is taken from the Manual of the Senate of the United States. In addition to a general index to the volume, there is a special index to the Constitution. |