Studies in Civics
E-text prepared by Charles Franks, Andy Schmitt, and Project Gutenberg
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BY JAMES T. McCLEARY, M.C.
The thought constantly in mind in the preparation of this book has been to furnish useful material in usable form.
Attention is invited to the scope of the work. The Constitution of the United States, not a mere abstract of it but a careful study of the text, is properly given much space but is not allowed a monopoly of it. Each of our governmental institutions deserves and receives a share of consideration. The order of presentation—beginning with the town, where the student can observe the operations of government, and proceeding gradually to the consideration of government in general—is based upon conclusions reached during eighteen years of experience in teaching this subject.
Matter to be used chiefly for reference is placed in the appendix. Attention is asked to the amount of information which, by means of tabulations and other modes of condensation, is therein contained. Documents easily obtainable, such as the Declaration of Independence, are omitted to make room for typical and other interesting documents not usually accessible.
Is this book intended to be an office-holders' manual? No; but it is intended to help students to get an insight into the way in which public business is carried on.
Is it designed as an elementary treatise on law? No; but the hope is indulged that the young people who study it will catch something of the spirit of law, which to know is to respect.
Highly competent teachers are the very ones who receive most kindly suggestions meant to be helpful. For such these words are intended.
The local organizations are so related that it is advisable for all classes to consider each of them. Especial attention should, however, be given to the organization (town, village or city) in which the school is. Here considerable time can be profitably spent, and the matter in the book may be much amplified. Here must be laid the basis of future study.
J. T. McCleary
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AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL SERIES
TO THE MEMBERS OF MY CLASSES IN CIVICS, WHOSE QUESTIONS HAVE AIDED ME IN DETERMINING WHAT SUBJECTS TO TREAT, AND WHOSE EARNESTNESS AND INTELLIGENCE HAVE MADE IT A PLEASURE TO BE THEIR TEACHER, THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED.
PREFACE.
CONTENTS.
TO TEACHERS.
TO STUDENTS.
GOVERNMENT: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT IS.
PART I.
CHAPTER I.
II. HOLDING ANNUAL TOWN MEETING.
III. LAYING OUT AND MAINTAINING ROADS.
CHAPTER II.
CHANGES MADE IN COURSE OF TIME.
CHAPTER III.
I. IN ORDINARY CIVIL ACTIONS.
PRELIMINARY TO TRIAL.
THE TRIAL.
AFTER THE TRIAL.
II. IN CRIMINAL ACTIONS.
PROCEEDINGS IN CRIMINAL TRIAL.
PROCEEDINGS IN EXAMINATION.
PROCEEDINGS FOR PREVENTING CRIME.
REMARKS ON CRIMINAL TRIALS.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
PROBATE COURTS.
DISTRICT, CIRCUIT OR SUPERIOR COURTS.
CHAPTER VIII.
PART II.
CHAPTER IX.
HOW STATES ARE CREATED.
CHAPTER X.
BILLS OF RIGHTS.
COMMENTS ON THE ABOVE.
CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XII.
CHAPTER XIII.
OTHER STATE OFFICERS.
CHAPTER XIV.
OTHER STATE OFFICERS.
ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS.
CHAPTER XV.
STATE SUPREME COURT.
CHAPTER XVI.
PART III.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE COLONIES.
THE CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION.
CHAPTER XVIII.
WHAT PRECEDED THEM.
THE ARTICLES THEMSELVES.
CHAPTER XIX.
AMENDMENTS.
CHAPTER XX.
THE ENACTING CLAUSE [1] OR PREAMBLE.
CHAPTER XXI.
SECTION I.—CONGRESS.
SECTION II.—HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.[1]
WHO MAY NOT BE REPRESENTATIVES.
WRITTEN EXERCISE.
SECTION III.—THE SENATE.[1]
WRITTEN EXERCISE.
SECTION IV.—ELECTIONS AND MEETINGS.
SECTION V. SEPARATE POWERS AND DUTIES.
SECTION VI. MEMBERS.
TABULAR VIEW.
SECTION VII.—LAW MAKING.
CHAPTER XXII.
SECTION IX.—PROHIBITIONS ON CONGRESS.
SECTION X.—PROHIBITIONS ON THE STATES.
CHAPTER XXIII.
SECTION I.—ELECTION AND SERVICE.
CHOOSING THE PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT.
SECTION II.—POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT.
SECTION III.—DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT.
SECTION IV.—RESPONSIBILITY OF OFFICERS.
CHAPTER XXIV.
SECTION I.—ORGANIZATION.
SECTION II.—JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS.
SECTION III.—TREASON.
CHAPTER XXV.
SECTION I.—STATE RECORDS.
SECTION II.—RELATIONS TO INHABITANTS OF OTHER STATES.
SECTION III.—NEW STATES AND TERRITORIES.
SECTION IV.—GUARANTIES TO THE STATES.
CHAPTER XXVI.
CHAPTER XXVII.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
CHAPTER XXIX.
ARTICLE I.
ARTICLE II.
ARTICLE III.
ARTICLE IV.
ARTICLE V.
ARTICLE VI.
ARTICLE VII.
ARTICLE VIII.
ARTICLE IX.
ARTICLE X.
ARTICLE XI.
ARTICLE XII.
ARTICLE XIII.
ARTICLE XIV.
SECTION II.—BASIS of REPRESENTATION.
SECTION III.—DISABILITIES of REBELS.
SECTION IV.—PUBLIC DEBT.
ARTICLE XV.
PART IV.
CHAPTER XXX.
PART V.
RESPONSIBILITY.
CHAPTER XXXI.
CHAPTER XXXII.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
CHAPTER XXXV.
APPENDIX A.—FORMS.
TOWN BUSINESS.
PETITION.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORT.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL ELECTION.
REGISTER POLL LIST.
MINUTES OF TOWN MEETING.
OFFICIAL OATH.
OFFICIAL BOND.
NOTICE TO CLERK OF DISTRICT COURT OF ELECTION OF JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
PETITION.
PROOF OF POSTING.
SUPERVISORS' NOTICE OF HEARING.
PROOF OF POSTING NOTICE.
SUPERVISOR'S ROAD ORDER.
SURVEYOR'S REPORT.
RELEASE OF DAMAGES.
AGREEMENT AS TO DAMAGES.
AWARD OF DAMAGES.
APPLICATION FOR JURY.
JUSTICE COURT.
INDICTMENT.
APPENDIX B.—TABLES.
APPENDIX C.—HOW SOME THINGS ARE DONE.
HOW TAXES ARE LEVIED.
HOW THE GOVERNMENT BORROWS.
HOW NATIONAL BANKS ARE ESTABLISHED.
HOW TO OBTAIN A COPYRIGHT.
HOW TO OBTAIN A PATENT.
HOW AN ALIEN BECOMES A CITIZEN.
HOW CITIZENS ABROAD ARE PROTECTED.
HOW WE ARE PROTECTED AT HOME.
HOW ELECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED.
WHY AND HOW NOMINATIONS ARE MADE.
HOW CONTESTED ELECTIONS ARE SETTLED.
HOW AN IMPEACHMENT CASE IS CONDUCTED.
HOW UNITED STATES SENATORS ARE ELECTED.
HOW THE ELECTORAL VOTE IS COUNTED.
HOW FUGITIVES FROM JUSTICE ARE EXTRADITED.
HOW A COURT MARTIAL IS CONDUCTED.
WHY AND HOW TERRITORIES ARE ORGANIZED.
HOW TO SECURE PUBLIC LANDS.
HOW SLAVERY WAS ABOLISHED IN THE SEVERAL STATES.
APPENDIX D.—SOME PRINCIPLES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW.
PEACE RELATIONS.
WAR RELATIONS.
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF NEUTRALS.
DECLARATION OF WAR—1812.
APPENDIX E.—DOCUMENTS.
ACT AUTHORIZING A STATE GOVERNMENT.
ACT ADMITTING MINNESOTA INTO THE UNION.
RESTORATION OF TENNESSEE TO THE UNION, 1866.
THE MECKLENBURGH RESOLUTIONS—1775.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SETTLERS AT NEW PLYMOUTH.
TEXAS DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE—1836.
TREATY WITH GREAT BRITAIN—1846.
ARTICLE I.
ARTICLE II.
ARTICLE III.
ARTICLE IV.
ARTICLE V.
EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION.