What was the first step in perfecting the society or organization? It was the preparation of a written statement of the purposes and principles of the organization, which is usually called a constitution. When the constitution was completed, usually by a committee, all those about to become members of the society met and talked it over. Changes probably were made and the constitution finally adopted. Probably some voted against it, but those who did vote against it recognized that they should be bound by the judgment and will of the majority.(11) Laws, or by-laws, as they are generally called, were then adopted to govern the conduct of the members in their relation to each other and to the society. These by-laws have been amended from time to time ever since, and perhaps at all times some of the members have believed that the by-laws should be different, but they have submitted to the will of the majority. So with the United States. There was a time less than one hundred and fifty years ago when there was no such thing on earth. A comparatively few men, representing the people of the former colonies, decided to form a Nation, and in the Constitutional Convention after months of discussion, the Constitution was adopted, and it was finally ratified by the people of the States. While many persons opposed some of the provisions of the Constitution, all submitted to the will of the majority. Thereafter, rules of conduct called laws—in your society by-laws—were adopted, and from time to time changed and extended as circumstances seemed to demand. We are going to talk about these laws in a few days. But _there is the whole story_. There is the simple beginning of this now great Nation, the most powerful on earth. So you see there is nothing mysterious about the origin of our Constitution. There is nothing mysterious about the origin or the organization of this government. The important thing to bear in mind is that it was formed by the people for themselves. Humanity, after thousands of years, had reached a point where they refused longer to be governed by a king or similar ruler. All this will become more clear to you as you understand something of the nature of liberty and of law. ELEMENTARY QUESTIONS 1. What is the government of the United States? Why isn’t the capitol at Washington the government? Why is it impossible to point out the government of the United States upon the map? 2. What is a servant? Describe a servant. Why does the judge say that the President of the United States is only a servant of the people? 3. Was the Kaiser a servant of the German people? Why not? 4. Where does the President get his power? Where do members of Congress get their power? Judges? The Sheriff? The Mayor? 5. If we do not like what our servants do, how can we control them? 6. What is government in a school? In a club? What would it be like if there were no government in either? Name five advantages of having a government.