The study of Civil Government is universally acknowledged to be of great importance. Our law-makers have made it necessary for teachers to pass examination upon this subject before a certificate can be given. But the importance of the study does not depend upon the simple fact that it is a statutory requirement. Our whole theory of government depends largely upon the intelligence of the masses for its development. Our people seldom refuse to perform any requirement, provided only they are persuaded of its reasonableness.
All laws depend upon the Constitution for their validity.
It thus becomes a certain conclusion that the people should fully comprehend the Constitution and the laws based upon it, in order that those laws may easily be understood and cheerfully obeyed. It seems to me that there is no place like the school room to acquire this elemental knowledge of law. Hence, I hail with delight a treatise that explains our Constitution, its theory and practical working, and those fundamental laws that rise from this foundation, making the wonderful superstructure, T HE S TATE . I have examined with great interest the following pages and believe that this book is well calculated to take its place in the common and high schools of the state. Our teachers have felt the need of such a book in their schools and in the Institute, and will greet this work with approval.