study of law and good government has been strangely neglected in this and every other country. The aim of this book, in supplying a manifest want, is to present, in such form as to be used chiefly as a text-book for schools, a broad and comprehensive view of the principles of government, and law in the United States. These principles are substantially the same throughout the country, and the young may easily learn the varied rights and duties of a citizen in relation to his government and his fellow-men. The book is divided into two parts: Part I, Principles of Government, is devoted (after a few chapters. upon general principles), first, to government by the State, and second, to government by the Nation. It is here that the book is believed to have its chief advantage over others of its kind. In all that we have examined, either one or the other of these subjects has been neglected. Some of our American youth have grown to manhood with so little appreciation of the political importance of the State, as to believe it nothing more than a geographical division; others have placed the State too high, and failed to realize the power and dignity of the Nation. In reality, the National Government, on the one hand, is of far greater historic interest and permanent political importance, as really governing the future freedom or serfdom of the people. On the other hand, the State, which says whether the particular individual shall vote, what rights of property he shall have, and what shall be the punishment for his crimes, enters far more into the daily affairs of the single citizen, touches him at more points, and is therefore of greater temporary interest. Both subjects should be studied, and it is of especial importance at this time that their relation to each other should be clearly presented to the youth of the land, for State rights and National rights must forever coexist. Part II., Principles of Law, contains also two divi. sions, the first one presenting the main principles which govern the rights and duties of man to man in his every-day life, and his varied rights connected with personal security, liberty, and property; and the second giving the rules by which the relations of nations to each other are regulated. Thus the volume presents a general view of the position of the citizen in all the relations he may sustain in this country: to his fellowcitizen, to his State, to his Nation, and to foreign nations. Extensive improvements were made by Salter S. Clark, Esq., of New York, in the original form of this work. Changes and additions had been rendered necessary by historic events. A more natural and logical order was pursued, with proper subordination of topics. Each paragraph of a chapter was confined to a single specified subject. Analyses and diagrams were added, where appropriate, to be used as blackboard exercises, with review questions for the use of both pupil and teacher. The present edition has been carefully revised. Very few material changes have been made, but some corrections and additions were required to adapt the book to present needs. It is confidently hoped that this work, tested by long experience, may find as much favor in the future as it has received in the past. NEW YORK, May, 1894. ANALYSIS OF CONTENTS PART L. PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT SEC. II.-Legislative Department. SEC. III.-Executive Department. Div. III. The National Government, SEC. I.-Its Origin and Nature. SEC. II.-Legislative Department. |