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JK251

• F6.5

V. /.

COPYRIGHT BY

G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS

1882

29108

Press of
G. P. Putnam's Sons

New York

9.16.13

As

INTRODUCTORY NOTE.

What is the relation of the citizen of the United States to the

governments under which he lives? This question, which is quite distinct from questions concerning his relations to his fellow-citizens, is continually recurring as the population of the country increases, the interests of the people become more complex, and the interference of government with the rights and privileges of the citizen becomes more general. And it is a problem which, from its nature, is hardly capable of a satisfactory solution ; for the conditions are in a state of perpetual change. No sooner are present wants and needs provided for, than new questions arise, demanding attention. This matter of the relation of the governed to the government, is, then, pre-eminently and continually a “ question of the day.”

But before attempting to show to what extent the powers of government have been exercised in the United States, some knowledge of the machinery of government, its organization and manner of acting, is necessary; and it is, further, important to have clearly set forth the methods of choosing the agents of State action, and the more important points regarding official responsibility and the civil service, for these subjects are more closely connected with the organization than with the functions of government.

Of the difficulties which presented themselves to the editor some idea may be gained from the fact that the organizations of no two State governments are exactly alike; and the editor has therefore confined himself to dealing with only the more essential branches of the subject, taking from the great variety of illustrations offered such as seemed best suited for his purpose. For the convenience of those who may desire to make a more complete examination of the subjects treated of in this volume, a short list of works is added which will be found valuable for reference.

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK,

September, 1882.

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