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.