AN EXPLANATION OF THE CONSTITUTION AND GOV-
ERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

A BOOK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

BY

ANNA LAURENS DAWES.

The Constitution of the United States is a law for rulers and people, equally in war
and in peace, and covers with the shield of its protection all classes of men, at all times
and under all circumstances.-DAVID DAVIS.

BOSTON, U.S.A., AND LONDON
PUBLISHED BY GINN & COMPANY

1896

Dedicated to my Father.

PREFACE.

THE following pages are a simple attempt to explain the Constitution of the United States, and to give some account of the methods of governing which have been established under it. I make no claim to original research or new ideas. The object of this little book is of quite another character. It is to make it plain how we are governed. In doing this I have made free use of the many standard authorities on our system, both those earlier classics which must always be the resort of the student of our institutions, and certain later works that have recently been offered to the public. I am also indebted for knowledge of both principles and methods to an experience always at my service and upon which I have freely drawn-which has extended over thirty eventful years.

It has seemed best to follow as closely as may