PREFACE WHILE preparing this book I 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 attempted to assist the teacher in achieving this aim wherever such assistance 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 sus taining 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. While preparing the first edition I was greatly assisted by the suggestions and criticisms of Dr. J. M. Callahan, Professor of History and Political Science in the University of West Virginia; by Dr. A. C. Bryan of the High School of Commerce, New York; and by Dr. Collyer Meriwether of the Business High School, Washington, D. C. In the work of revising successive editions I have received valuable hints from the following gentlemen who have used the book: Dr. W. A. Wetzel, Principal of High School, Trenton, New Jersey; Dr. William T. Fairley, Commercial High School, Brooklyn, New York; Mr. E. E. Hill, Chicago Normal School, Chicago, Illinois; Mr. Charles I. Parker, Principal of the South Chicago High School, Chicago, Illinois; Dr. P. L. Kaye, Baltimore City College, Baltimore, Maryland. April, 1909. S. E. FORMAN. |