The thought constantly in mind in the preparation of this book has been to
furnish useful material in usable form.

Attention is invited to the scope of the work. The Constitution of the
United States, not a mere abstract of it but a careful study of the text,
is properly given much space but is not allowed a monopoly of it. Each of
our governmental institutions deserves and receives a share of
consideration. The order of presentation--beginning with the town, where
the student can observe the operations of government, and proceeding
gradually to the consideration of government in general--is based upon
conclusions reached during eighteen years of experience in teaching this
subject.

Matter to be used chiefly for reference is placed in the appendix.
Attention is asked to the amount of information which, by means of
tabulations and other modes of condensation, is therein contained.
Documents easily obtainable, such as the Declaration of Independence, are
omitted to make room for typical and other interesting documents not
usually accessible.

Is this book intended to be an office-holders' manual? No; but it _is_
intended to help students to get an insight into the way in which public
business is carried on.

Is it designed as an elementary treatise on law? No; but the hope is
indulged that the young people who study it will catch something of the
_spirit_ of law, which to know is to respect.