portant is it that their decisions should be as enlightened as they will be honest; that with every motive to be upright and conscientious in the exercise of their political rights, they should combine also the capacity to maintain them with independence and discretion! If they shall ever cease to bring to the settlement of these great questions a sound and enlightend discrimination, they cannot fail to become the dupes of artful leaders, and their country a prey to internal discord. From the genius of our political institutions, popular education is our only security against present and future dangers. Ignorance is said to be the parent of vice. With us it would also be the parent of those fatal disorders in the body politic, which have their cerain issue in anarchy." In presenting this work to the public, the compiler in-` tends to supply, in some measure, a deficiency that has too long existed in the course of education in this country. Several excellent treatises on the principles of government, and constitutional jurisprudence, have been published within a few years. But it is believed that of those which are intended as class books, none are well adapted to the condition of our common schools. But it is not for common schools exclusively, that this work is intended. It is believed that there are individuals in almost every family, who will find in it much valuable information to which they have not before had ac cess. The author has endeavored, throughout the work, to present each subject in a plain and familiar style; and it is believed the language will be found sufficiently intelligible to those who are of suitable age and capacity to be benefited by the study of this science. And he would here take occasion to remind the reader or student of the importance of referring to his dictionary for the definition of such words as may not be understood. Much of the advantage of reading is often lost, especially to young persons, by the neglect of this practice. The questions relating to the several sections, are deemed useful in exercising the pupil. A few only are inserted, leaving it to the teacher to add such further interrogatories as he shall find necessary. Teachers will also find occasion to tax their own resources, in enlarging upon and illustrating the several subjects, which could not be fully treated, without swelling the work to an improper size. The chapter on the rights of landlord and tenant, not being originally designed for insertion, does not occupy its appropriate place in the work; but as it was deemed too important to be omitted, it has been inserted in the Appendix. Originality in a work of this kind is hardly to be expected. Whatever of merit, therefore, may be awarded to this unpretending volume, is chiefly due to other and abler authors, Among the works to which the compiler is indebted, he would particuarly mention, Sullivan's "Political Class Book," Chipman's "Principles of Government," Duer's "Outlines of Constitutional Jurisprudence," and the invaluable "Commentaries" of Story and Kent. With the hope that this treatise, notwithstanding its imperfections, will be found in some degree useful, it is respectfully offered to the patronage of a liberal community. PART I. Page. CHAP. III. Of Laws.-The Law of Nature-Law of Revela- tion-Municipal Law-Law of Nations, CHAP. IV. Of the different Forms of Government, History of the Colonies-afterwards Independent States-from their CHAP. II. Colonial Forms of Government-Causes of the Revolution-Commencement of Hostilities, CHAPTER I. Of the Nature and Objects of the Union, CHAP. II. Of the Legislative Power.-House of Representa- 57 CHAP. VI. Of the Executive Power.-President's Term of Office-Mode of Election-Qualifications-Salary, CHAP. VII. Powers and Duties of the President, CHAP. VIII. Executive Auxiliaries.-Department of State- CHAP. X. Powers of Congress.-Revenue, Taxes, Duties, &c. 102 CHAP. XXIII. District of Columbia-Local Jurisdistion, &c. 150 CHAP. XXIV. Miscellaneous Powers of Congress-Treason -Effect of State Records-Admission of New States-Guar- anties to States-Amendment of Constitution, Of the Civil Jurisprudence of the United States. CHAPTER I. Of the Rights of Persons.--Absolute Personal CHAP. II. Of the Domestic Relations.--Husband and Wife, 214 |