Federal and State Government

have been written with the same object in view, but have failed to some extent in their purpose, because they have not been limited to a consideration of the political institutions of a single State, or of a group of States having similar governmental systems, but have treated these subjects in a general way only, carefully avoiding those details which constitute the distinguishing features of the government of particular States or localities.

It is apparent that, owing to the difference between the constitutional and statutory provisions of the various States of the Union concerning the details of local government, all these different systems cannot be thoroughly treated within the limits of an elementary text-book, except in a general way. Hence, the most successful teachers of civics have been those who have been able to supplement the material contained in the text-book with information concerning the systems of municipal and State government under which the pupils live. This book has been prepared for use in the schools of Michigan and is limited in its discussion of local governmental affairs to that State alone.

It is possible that the order followed in the treatment of the various topics discussed may be the subject of criticism by those who believe that the study of local government should precede that of the State or Nation, and, consequently, that such should be the order of exposition. If the book had been written for the use of students in Massachusetts, Virginia, or any other State whose local institutions were in existence before the formation of the Union, it would be correct, logically and historically, to begin with the study of the local system, and follow with the State and national institutions. The case is different, however, when dealing with the government of Michigan, which owes its existence to acts of the Federal Government, and

the development of whose local institutions did not contribute to the formation of the national system.

For these reasons, it has seemed best to divide the subject into two parts, one showing the origin and development of our national government, and the other explaining the formation of our State government, giving due consideration to the local influences which shaped its structure, together with a brief but comprehensive statement of the various governmental agencies which have been created by the State.

While it has been the purpose to make one chapter follow another in logical sequence, yet each topic is treated in a manner sufficiently independent to permit the use of the book as a guide in case it is desired to study the different forms of government in an order different from that followed in the text.

If this volume proves to be of assistance to those who are eager to know the duties of citizenship, and a help to teachers in presenting to their pupils correct information as to the principles upon which our government is based, and the method by which they are applied in all departments, local, State and national, the author will feel that his labors have been amply rewarded.

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