ondary, and documents and forms to descriptions of governmental operations. This has made the collection something in the nature of a case-book. But that is not entirely undesirable, in view of the fact that it is the function of the text-book to supply descriptive information. (2) Longer passages from a smaller number of documents have been included, rather than mere fragments from a wider range. Whenever possible, the student has been shown a complete process or performance, rather than a mere portion of one. In some of the very long documents it has been necessary to make cuts in order to keep the book within reasonable compass. But, in general, only formal duplications, or the least significant portions, have been omitted. In each case the aim has been to present enough material from one source to focus the attention of the student definitely on the problem raised, and to prevent the distractions which result from frequent changes of style and subject. (3) Several expedients have been used to conserve space and to prevent the book from becoming too bulky for use as a supplementary text. When a selection would illustrate a point of view or an argument as well as a form, it has been included rather than another which would illustrate only the form. The material on state government has been selected with the thought that much of it can be used to illustrate analogous subjects or problems arising in the national sphere. Much valuable material on American Government can be secured in pamphlet form, either gratis or for a nominal sum. A list of such publications is given in the appendix, together with the price and source from which each can be secured. Regardless of its value, material of this kind has been omitted from the present collection. It can easily be selected and procured by any instructor, according to his needs. (4) Preference has been given to documents which have not as yet been published in book form. Some of the numbers have been taken from manuscripts; others from pamphlets which are not readily accessible in quantities suffi cient for class use. In a few cases, material has been furnished directly by officers of the government. (5) Selections which will stimulate class discussion have been given preference to more formal documents. Many of the items present a distinct case or process of governmental procedure; others are on highly controversial topics; still others contain the barest statement of facts, inviting the student, under the guidance of the instructor, to work out his own conclusions. Undoubtedly, these materials will prove most useful in discussion groups, quiz sections, or small classes. In many instances a mere reading of the document is insufficient. The student may, indeed, miss the point entirely in his reading, while at the same time the document may assume an unexpected importance and vividness as the result of a spirited class discussion. The introductory notes have been written with a view to facilitate such discussion. No attempt has been made to summarize or condense the accompanying selection. The aim has been only to furnish a background for the document and to prepare the student for reading it. Although the collection has followed the arrangement of Ogg and Ray's Introduction to American Government (2d ed.), adequate background material for the selections will be found in any standard college text on the subject. It is hardly feasible to mention by name the many persons who have aided me with material or suggestions. To all of them I am grateful. I cannot refrain, however, from expressing appreciation of the encouragement and suggestions received from Professor Frederic A. Ogg, under whose general direction the book has been published. University of Chicago, RODNEY L. MOTT. |