I am under obligations to a number of teachers for reading the proof sheets of this book and for giving me the benefit of their advice. Among those to whom I am especially indebted are Mr. Clarence O. Gardner, formerly assistant in political science in the University of Illinois, Mr. W. A. Beyer, of the Illinois State Normal University, Mr. C. H. Elliott, of the Southern Illinois State Normal University, Mr. E. T. Austin, of the Sterling Township (Ill.) High School, and Mr. William Wallis, Principal of the Bloomington (Ill.) High School. J. W. GARNER URBANA, ILLINOIS. CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. LOCAL GOVERNMENT: TOWNS, TOWNSHIPS, AND COUNTIES 5 II. LOCAL GOVERNMENT, CONTINUED: CITIES AND VILLAGES 25 III. THE STATE GOVERNMENTS 57 IV. THE STATE LEGISLATURE 73 V. THE STATE EXECUTIVE 91 VI. THE STATE JUDICIARY 109 VII. SUFFRAGE AND ELECTIONS 125 VIII. POLITICAL PARTIES AND NOMINATING METHODS 144 IX. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNION 159 X. THE TWO HOUSES OF CONGRESS 174 XI. ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURE OF CONGRESS 197 XII. FEDERAL FINANCE, TAXATION, AND MONEY 217 XIII. THE REGULATION OF COMMERCE 236 XIV. OTHER IMPORTANT POWERS OF CONGRESS 248 XV. THE PRESIDENCY: ORGANIZATION AND MODE OF ELECTION 274 XVI. THE PRESIDENCY, CONTINUED: INAUGURATION, POWERS AND DUTIES 298 XVII. THE CABINET AND THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS 324 XVIII. THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY 353 XIX. GOVERNMENT OF THE TERRITORIES AND DEPENDENCIES 369 XX. CITIZENSHIP 383 ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION 393 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 399 INDEX 411 GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED STATES CHAPTER I LOCAL GOVERNMENT: TOWNS, TOWNSHIPS, AND COUNTIES