PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION For this edition the original text has been completely revised and nearly all of it rewritten. I have reduced the historical sections and placed them with the chapters on current politics to which they relate. I have written a new introduction which seems to offer a better approach than the historical methodone more calculated to enlist at the very outset the interest of the student in practical politics and government. An effort has been made to bring the entire volume up to date, both in letter and spirit. A multitude of details has been deliberately omitted to make room for a discussion of fundamental principles and practices. I am deeply indebted to Mr. A. E. Buck and Dr. Luther Gulick, of the National Institute for Public Administration, for counsel and advice. I am under very special obligations to Professor Arthur W. Macmahon, of Columbia University, who has given me critical and constructive suggestions of the highest value. NEW MILFORD, CONN., CHARLES A. Beard. IV. THE HISTORIC SPIRIT OF THE CONSTITUTION V. THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION AS A CHANGING |