The important thing first to be learned is that in this democracy the government is in form a republic, because the laws are enacted and enforced, not by the direct vote of the people, but by the representatives elected by the people. The power of the people always continues. A law may be passed by one legislature, or one session of Congress, and may be repealed the next. Any law upon the statute books may be changed from time to time, in response to the changing sentiment of the people. We are inclined to consider the term “representative government” as relating particularly to the enactment of laws, but this is a representative government not only in the making of laws, but also in the enforcement of laws. I want you to realize early in life that every citizen has a responsibility for enforcing laws as well as for making laws, and that for any failure or omission in the making of laws, or in the enforcement of laws, the people must bear the responsibility. ELEMENTARY QUESTIONS 1. In what respect is America a republic? 2. What is the difference between a republic and a Republican? 3. What was the population of America when the Constitution was adopted? 4. Why was it impossible to have all the people assemble to adopt laws? 5. What is meant by a representative of the people? 6. Suppose a representative does not represent the people as they wish. What can they do about it? Give illustrations. 7. Into what parts is the government of the United States divided? 8. How are the powers and duties of representatives of the people defined? Why does the judge say that the people really have the power and that this power continues? ADVANCED QUESTIONS A. What is the fundamental law of the United States? Why is it fundamental? B. How can we say that the people have power in lawmaking, when we know that the representatives make the laws? C. How can we influence the votes of our representatives? D. If you know that your representative is likely to vote against your own wishes, what can you do about it? E. How soon may a law be changed after it has been passed? F. What is meant by “initiative, referendum, and recall”? How have they worked out in practice? G. Write a paper on the following: The Difference between a Democracy and a Republic How the Public Can Make Their Representatives Represent Them Why America Could Not Do Without Representatives The New England Town Meeting VI. LAW Necessity For Rules Of Human Conduct For Guidance And Restraint This morning I wish to talk with you about one of the most important subjects in the world, the law; and strange to say, most people know very little about it. Indeed I find that the average person feels that he does not need any knowledge of the law, that the law is for lawyers, judges, and courts.