Civil Government of Nebraska by True

PREFACE.

   There is little need for any remarks concerning the demand for a text book upon The Civil Government of the State, in addition to the words of the State Superintendent in the Introduction. The basis upon which a study of that branch is demanded is forcibly and sententiously stated there.
   I have prefaced the volume with a short historical sketch of the state, which, I trust, will be found to be sufficiently complete for this place. Much has been written about the historic events of the territory and state, but none of it is in such form as to be accessible to the general reader. A knowledge of these events are important, as a good in itself, and as a means of properly apprehending that system of government which grew out of, and is the fruit of, those events. Hence, no scholar, certainly no teacher, can afford to be ignorant of the prominent and governing facts in the history of his own state. For these reasons, I hope that the historic sketch will be found to be indispensable in these pages. Questions have been prepared for this portion of the volume, so that it can be studied in the regular course, if the teacher deems it best.
   The Bill of Rights lays down some general principles, stating the inherent rights and privileges of the citizen. These rights constitute the foundation of a free government. As much of the language used in the Bill of Rights is in the technical terms of the law books, I have appended explanatory remarks in the hope of making the meaning plainer.

PREFACE

   The questions upon the Bill of Rights, and upon the explanatory remarks, will, I hope, prove useful.
   The Author believes that the plan of the work will commend itself to the trained judgment of the experienced teacher. It is a treatment of the details of local governing agencies in advance of the more general ones; the study of the concrete before taking up the abstract, so far as youthful apprehension and experience are concerned.
   Just what matters, and how much of them, are needed in this volume after the skeleton of the government is given in Divisions I and II, must be a matter of taste and judgment, concerning which there is probably no unanimity among teachers. That too much has not been included, will, I trust, be demonstrated in the school-room; that more might have been advantageously included I am ready to concede.
   As the book is intended for a place in the district schools, as well as in the graded schools, it has been considered important that the volume should not be too bulky, nor too expensive, nor contain more than pupils can go over easily in one term.
   The questions are not intended to be exhaustive. The intelligent teacher can easily add such others as may be needed to secure a full understanding of the text.
   No writer who does honest work can fail to see some of the imperfections of the results. That the earnest, conscientious teacher will find some important facts omitted herefrom, can hardly be doubted, but the Author believes that there is enough in these pages to render the volume of some value in the educational system of the state.
   Crete, March 20, 1885.

INTRODUCTION.

BY HON. W. W. W. JONES.

   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, THE STATE.
   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.
(5)

INTRODUCTION

The manner of treatment is such as to meet the approval of educators. The Author brings to his work the skill of the practical attorney, the training of the teacher, and the general information of the journalist, and he has prepared a work suitable for the school and of great value in the home. He has treated our whole system, from the precinct to the state, and has made it easy for the youngest pupil to grasp and understand.
I sincerely hope his work will receive the approbation of the Teachers and Educators of the State.