MANVANS LLEGE LIBRARY GIFT OF THE CDUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION May 8, 1920 COPYRIGHT, 1914, BY ARNDT M. STICKLES. ELEM. OF GOV. E. P. 3 Revised to 1916. PREFACE THE purpose of this small volume is, in brief, to set forth such guiding principles and truths of Civics as in the experience of the author seem essential for good citizenship. In it the author has endeavored to show how, out of the advancing wave of human progress, certain principles of government and political institutions spring forth which make for the highest order of citizenship; and to explain whence and how historically the government under which we live, came into existence, and how it is conducted at the present time. In every subject discussed in so small and elementary a treatise as this, much material must necessarily be omitted. The intention is not to present a household encyclopedia of interesting facts pertaining to the science of government, but to show Civics historically developed as the subject has been worked out and used by the author in the classroom. In a word, the purpose is to make clear to the pupil how historical situations evolved problems of government and solved them; also, to arouse in him sufficient interest in present conditions so that he will see that there are new problems around him, the solution of which constantly demands his assistance. In the preparation of this book, many more references were consulted than are given in the list suggested for the student's use. Experience has taught the author that it is not fair to assume that students in secondary schools can master much of the source material frequently given as references on Government. The references given at the end of each chapter have been carefully selected. They are alphabetically arranged, are recent, cover the subject treated, and are such as almost any High School may reasonably be expected to have, or may get with small expense. The experience of the author leads him to believe that with students of High Schools and Normal Schools the best results are obtained when the appropriate section and clause of the Constitution are presented for reference with the discussions in the various chapters dealing with the federal government. Endeavor has been made in all discussions to avoid technical and abstruse points upon which even constitutional lawyers may differ, but on the other hand to present such material as vitally concerns the present and future of our country. That material is everywhere about the pupil, and should be used to stimulate assertive citizenship in every community. The author owes a great personal debt to Dr. Henry H. Cherry. The "Civic Image," a textbook on Civics written by him, embodying his own very successful experience in the teaching of government, is in a large measure the inspiration of this manual on the subject. With his consent and approval, some of his book, in a revised form, is contained in this volume. Should this brief treatise arouse as earnest a study of the underlying principles of government and good citizenship as did Dr. Cherry's book, the author shall feel part of the personal obligation and gratitude he owes him paid; falling short of that, no appreciation in a preface can even partially pay it. The author is indebted to many teachers and former students for their invaluable suggestions and aid in the preparation of this work. Among those to whom he is especially indebted, are Professor William A. Obenchain, of Ogden College, Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Mr. J. C. Castleman, of South Division High School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who carefully read the manuscript, offered important corrections, and made many valuable suggestions for improvement, the outgrowth of their scholarship and wide experience as teachers. BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY. ARNDT M. STICKLES. |