HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY ALBERT BUSHNELL HART DEC 5 1923 COPYRIGHT, 1914, BY ARNDT M. STICKLES. ELEM. OF GOV. E. P. 2 PREFACE THE purpose of this small volume is, in brief, to set forth such guiding principles and truths of Civics as in the experience of the author seem essential for good citizenship. In it the author has endeavored to show how, out of the advancing wave of human progress, certain principles of government and political institutions spring forth which make for the highest order of citizenship; and to explain whence and how historically the government under which we live, came into existence, and how it is conducted at the present time. In every subject discussed in so small and elementary a treatise as this, much material must necessarily be omitted. The intention is not to present a household encyclopedia of interesting facts pertaining to the science of government, but to show Civics historically developed as the subject has been worked out and used by the author in the classroom. In a word, the purpose is to make clear to the pupil how historical situations evolved problems of government and solved them; also, to arouse in him sufficient interest in present conditions so that he will see that there are new problems around him, the solution of which constantly demands his assistance. In the preparation of this book, many more references were consulted than are given in the list suggested for the student's use. Experience has taught the author that it is not fair to assume that students in secondary schools can |