PREFACE WHILE preparing this book I have constantly kept in mind the truth that instruction in Civics should have for its highest aim the indoctrination of the learner in sound notions of political morality, and I have attempted to assist the teacher in achieving this aim wherever such assistance has seemed to be practicable. The plan followed in the development of the subject is the outgrowth of class-room experience, and is one which has proved to be particularly successful in awakening and sustaining interest. In Part I the underlying principles of our government are presented. The essentials are placed first in order, that the learner may at the outset begin to be imbued with the true American spirit. In Part II is an account of the governmental machine. In Part III the every-day work of government is considered and the practical problems connected with the work are discussed. I am greatly indebted to Dr. J. H. Curran, Professor of Economics in the Tome Institute, for assistance in the preparation of several important chapters, and to Dr. J. M. Callahan, Professor of History in the University of West Virginia, for a critical reading of the manuscript. I am also under obligations to the following gentlemen for valuable criticisms and suggestions: Dr. B. J. Ramage, formerly of the Sewanee University, now of the Bureau of Corporations, Washington, D. C.; Dr. A. C. Bryan, of the High School of Commerce, New York; Dr. Collyer Meriwether, of the Business High School, Washington, D. C.; Mr. H. H. Glassie, Special Attorney for the Government, Washington, D. C. S. E. FORMAN. ADVANCED CIVICS I GOVERNMENT Society and Government. Man is impelled by the nature of his being to seek the companionship of man. Just as instinct brings birds together in flocks and causes bees to swarm and buffaloes to roam in herds, so by instinct men come together and live in groups. This disposition of men to live in groups is described by the word social (socius), which in its origin means partaking of, sharing. A body of persons united by this social instinct, this desire to share and participate with others in the fortunes and misfortunes of life, is a society. If man could live separate from all of his kind his freedom would be perfect; his conduct would depend entirely upon his own will and desires. But he cannot live thus. He must live in society, and in the social relation he must do things that he does not wish to do, and he must refrain from doing things that he wishes to do. Wild, unrestrained freedom would destroy the peace and safety of the social group. In every society, therefore, there are rules (laws) to be obeyed and rulers to enforce the rules. The authority which imposes rules upon the conduct of men and punishes those who disobey is government. The word government is derived from a Latin word (gubernare) which means to guide or steer or pilot a ship. The idea of piloting or guiding clings to the word government in all its uses. We may say, with exactness of language, that government pilots society safely through the sea of man's passions and cruelty and selfish |