Government, of the People, by the People, for the People.-LINCOLN.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes.-JEFFERSON.

The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. But the constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government.-WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER I.

THE PEOPLE AND THEIR HOME AFFAIRS: THE TOWNSHIP, COUNTY, CITY, STATE AND TERRITORY.

140. Local History.-Every American community has an interesting local history which assists us in understanding the character of that community. The natives of a State, as of New York or of Virginia, have settled and organized communities, townships, parishes, counties and States west of the parent State. Foreign elements have joined with native American elements in new States. The early settlers in a community largely determine its subsequent history. They sometimes start industries by which a locality prospers and becomes widely known. At Salina (now Syracuse), New York, they began the production of salt, to which that city owes its prosperity. The early development of natural resources often explains peculiarities in local customs and opinions. Communities in which institutions of learning were early established, and which have been adequately supported, become refined, progressive and wealthy. Ignorant and idle communities are vicious and lawless, and ultimately disappear.

141. Political Parties.-As soon as the United States government was organized the people began to have different ideas about their rights and duties under the Constitution. Thus originated political parties among us. The Constitution says nothing about political parties, but they have from time to time sprung up in the country, and have interpreted the Constitution in different ways,

and principally in two ways: (1) a strict or literal construction, denying all that is not specifically set forth and provided in plain words in the Constitution; (2) a liberal or generous construction, allowing all that is necessary to promote the general welfare of the country, and interpreting the Constitution in its spirit rather than by its words. These two ideas lie at the foundation of political life and civil government in this country.*

142. Election Day.-Once a year the citizens who are electors make their choice of public officers according to law. On this day more men are seen on the street than is usual; printed slips of paper called ballots are distributed conveniently in public places, where the elector may obtain one that suits him. If he prefers, he may write his own ballot or ticket. An examination of the tickets shows that there are two or more sets, each set having the same list of offices, but a different list of candidates. These names of offices and of candidates are printed with accuracy by authority of a convention or caucus composed of delegates chosen by the electors.

143. The Nominating Convention or Caucus.-Some one has said that the only king in America is King Caucus. For several weeks before a local election, and for several months before a national election, the people talk about candidates for office and party politics. The newspapers are the usual means for the expression of political opinions, but the newspapers always follow the people and represent their views. Two elements are constant in politics-men and measures. We understand by this that the principles of a political party, and the chief men who advocate these principles, are the chief objects of political

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*For instance, the Constitution says nothing about a bank. political party opposed the establishment of a United States bank; the other party favored the founding of such a bank, because it would promote the general welfare.