The series of essays entitled _The Federalist_, written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, in 1787-88, while the ratification of the Constitution was in question, will always remain indispensable as an introduction to the thorough study of the principles upon which our federal government is based. The most recent edition is by H.C. Lodge, N.Y., 1888. For the systematic and elaborate study of the Constitution, see Foster's _References to the Constitution of the United States_, a little pamphlet of 50 pages published by the "Society for Political Education," 330 Pearl St., New York, 1890, price 25 cents. The student who should pursue to the end the line of research marked out in this pamphlet ought thereby to become quite an authority on the subject. For very pleasant and profitable reading, in connection with the formation and interpretation of the Constitution, and the political history of our country from 1763 to 1850, we have the "American Statesmen Series," edited by J.T. Morse, and published by Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston, 1882-90: _Benjamin Franklin_, by J.T. Morse; _Patrick Henry_, by M.C. Tyler; _Samuel Adams_, by J.K. Hosmer; _George Washington_, by H.C. Lodge, 2 vols.; _John Adams and Thomas Jefferson_, by J.T. Morse; _Alexander Hamilton_, by H.C. Lodge; _Gouverneur Morris_, by T. Roosevelt; _James Madison_, by S.H. Gay; _James Monroe_ by D.C. Gilman; _Albert Gallatin_, by J.A. Stevens; _John Randolph_, by H. Adams; _John Jay_, by G. Pellew; _John Marshall_, by A.B. Magruder; _John Quincy Adams_, by J.T. Morse; _John C. Calhoun_, by H. von Holst; _Andrew Jackson_, by W.G. Sumner; _Martin Van Buren_, by E.M. Shepard; _Henry Clay_, by C. Schurz, 2 vols.; _Daniel Webster_, by H.C. Lodge; _Thomas H, Benton_, by T. Roosevelt. In connection with the questions on page 269 relating to tariff, currency, etc., references to some works on political economy are needed. The arguments in favour of protectionism are set forth in Bowen's _American Political Economy_, last ed., N.Y., 1870; the arguments in favour of free trade are set forth in Perry's _Political Economy_, 19th ed., N.Y., 1887; and for an able and impartial historical survey, Taussig's _Tariff History of the United States_, N.Y., 1888, may be recommended. For a lucid view of currency, see Jevons's _Money and the Mechanism of Exchange_, N.Y., 1875. A useful work on the Australian method of voting is Wigmore's _The Australian Ballot System_, 2d ed., Boston, 1890. In connection with some of the questions on page 271, the student may profitably consult Woolsey's _International Law_, 5th ed., N.Y., 1879. NOTE TO PAGE 226. By the act of February 3, 1887, the second Monday in January is fixed for the meeting of the electoral colleges in all the states. The provisions relating to the first Wednesday in January are repealed. The interval between the second Monday in January and the second Wednesday in February remains available for the settlement of disputed questions. NOTE TO PAGE 250.