AND THE PEOPLE

BY

JOSEPH RAGLAND LONG

PROFESSOR OF CONSTITUTIONAL LAW, WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY

The American constitutional system is probably the most complicated scheme of government in the world. It is therefore not strange that the system is imperfectly understood eyen by intelligent and well-informed American citizens. This book is an attempt to bring to the young people of our country a clearer understanding of our government and our institutions. At this time of world-wide unrest and disturbance, it is especially important that we have set forth clearly and convincingly the plans of governmental machinery as well as those enduring principles which have made possible in the United States the development of the most successful democracy in the world.

Believing that the principles of constitutional government adopted by the founders of our republic are sound, and that "no development of social or industrial life changes a true principle," I have tried to explain adequately these principles and to show how they work in actual experience. However, the object has been, not only to describe the machinery of government, but also to make clear the underlying philosophy of democratic government. My aim has been to write a book that would in the best possible way inspire loyalty to our institutions by making them known, believing that our people, once understanding our political heritage and institutions, will respect them and cherish them.

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