PREFACE Our educational system would be doing a distinct service to the country if it could give to the young people of the present generation a respect for law. In the case of our most interesting girls and boys, the ones we like to consider typically American in their attitude, this respect for law can never be awakened by mere commandments and prohibitions it must have a sound basis. If young people can be made to understand that laws are necessary to their comfort and happiness, and if they can be made to feel a personal responsibility for keeping laws sane and reasonable and for observance of all laws and a vigorous enforcement of them we shall have that respect for law which has at all times marked highly civilized nations at the height of their power. ro reach this difficult goal it is necessary that young people take a thoughtful interest in government. The hope of the author is that the material in this book may awaken interest and stimulate discussion on matters which, though of vital importance, are generally neglected by the ordinary man and woman. Many questions have been asked in this book to which it is impossible to give definite answer. Students, even below high school age, are not too young to learn that the world in which they live is full of problems as yet unsettled. These problems may be brought nearer to a satisfactory solution by thoughtful discussion and the marshaling of known facts. Intelligent interest in government problems on the part of even a fraction of the electorate would greatly strengthen a democracy The author knows how humble is the contribution which he is making toward a realization of our democratic ideals. He hopes that he is moving in the right direction, and that others following him in the same line may have better success. For inspiration in the preparation of this book the author is indebted to many sources to the authors of the Yale Citizenship Series, or rather the Dodge Course upon the Responsibilities of Citizenship to the sessions and publications of the Commonwealth Conference held at the University of Iowa to Mr. Bryce, author of Modern Democracies and to Aristotle. But his greatest inspiration has been and is the hundreds of students whom he has met in his classroom during the past thirty years. By their interest in serious problems and by their conscientious efforts to think clearly and honestly and scientifically they have constantly renewed his faith in democracy and in the Republic. Thanks are due, and are hereby rendered, to the Chicago Tribune for permission to use cartoons by Mr. McCutcheon to the Chicago Journal for permission to use a cartoon and to the Nebraska League of Women Voters for permission to use a cartoon. E. 1M. October 1929. BOOKS SUGGESTED FOR READING AND REFERENCE Below is given a list of books which should prove suggestive and stimulating to teachers. The books have been chosen partly because they are not highly technical or too detailed. They are for the most part interesting. In them many teachers will find material that they can use to advantage in classes. However, material for outside reading, gathered by teachers themselves with an understanding of the needs of their classes, is of greater value than any set of definite references assigned by the writer of a textbook. Teachers will find it convenient to own all or at least part of these books. In any case the school library should have them. READING FOR TEACHERS JARIE M S ...