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THE

POLITICAL GRAMMAR

OF THE

UNITED STATES;

OR, A

COMPLETE VIEW OF THE THEORY AND PRACTICE

OF THE

GENERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS,

WITH THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THEM.

DEDICATED TO THE

YOUNG MEN OF THE UNITED STATES.

Scoring

BY EDWARD D. MANSFIELD,

LATE PROFESSOR OF CONSTITUTIONAL LAW IN CINCINNATI COLLEGE.

A NEW AND REVISED EDITION;

WITH THE LATEST AUTHORITIES.

ADAPTED TO THE USE OF

COLLEGES, ACADEMIES AND SCHOOLS.

CINCINNATI:

PUBLISHED BY E.D. TRUMAN,

NO. 111 MAIN ST.

The Gift of the Publisher,
Mr. E.D. Truman,
of Cincinnati.
Rec. Jefr. 6.1849.

Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1849, by

E.D.TRUMAN,

In the Clerk's Office of the Dis ict Court of Ohio.

CINCINNATI:

STEREOTYPED BY E. SHEPARD,

Printed by

MORGAN & OVEREND.

PREFACE TO THE SIXTEENTH EDITION.

IT is now thirteen years since this work was first issued from the press. In that time, it has been continually before the public, and has contended with the competition of some ten or twelve other works, prepared by intelligent and, in some instances, distinguished writers, for the same purpose. The fact that it has sustained itself against such active rivalry, and is retained in some of the best institutions of the country, is its best recommendation. In fact, it has always received more regard from professional teachers than the author had anticipated.

This work was prepared when nothing of the same kind was before the public mind. In this respect, the writer was a pioneer. His object was to create, as well as to extend, a desire for knowledge in the great principles and constitutional law of our republican institutions.

That he has succeeded in no small degree is apparent. Many of our Colleges, Academies and Schools, have commenced teaching the provisions and principles of the Constitution, as they are written and as they have been developed in the practice of more than half a century. The people demand this species of instruction, and it is hoped that it will soon be given in all the higher schools of our country. To meet this demand, the author has revised the work, and prepared this new edition, with the latest emendations which the advance of time and law has made necessary.

Cincinnati, May 16th, 1849.

From the numerous recommendations of MANSFIELD'S POLITICAL GRAMMAR, the following are selected, as showing the high esti mation in which it is held by distinguished scholars :

"A school book containing a brief historical sketch of the political organization of the United States, and a correct delineation of the theory and operation of the General and State Governments, has long been desired to promote the well-being of society and perpetuate our free institutions. We cannot expect to carry into successful practice the fundamental principles embodied in our Constitutions, unless a knowledge of those principles is widely diffused among the people, and imparted in common education. Feeling much solicitude on the subject, I have examined The Political Grammar of the United States, by Edward D. Mansfield, with an eye to its adaptation to the desired end. I am happy to say, that the Grammar, as a text book of the elementary terms, definitions and principles of our written Constitutions, is a work of great merit, and superior to any of the kind that has come under my observation. The introduction of this valuable work into common use, and into common schools, cannot fail of good results in the diffusion of correct political instruction, tending to the preservation of political liberty. JOHN C. WRIGHT."

"We cordially recommend THE POLITICAL GRAMMAR OF THE UNITED STATES, by EDWARD D. MANSFIELD, Esq. The work is comprehensive; it covers the whole ground, while it leaves out no detail necessary to illustrate and establish the great principles of our government; and yet it is so moderate in point of size and expense, as to be within the reach of all. It is simple and lucid in order. Every thing in it is well digested. The style throughout is clear and calm, though sufficiently diversified and animated to make it always interesting.

"There are other books on the same subject, of larger bulk and pretensions, but we know of none so admirably fitted for students of all classes, from the Common School up to the University. As a brief practical manual of sound political knowledge, it ought to be in the hands of all the people.

B. P. AYDELOTT, D. D., late President of Woodward College.
WILLIAM H. McGUFFEY, Professor in the University of Virginia,
C. E. STOWE, Professor in Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, author of
• Report on Prussian System of Education." "

From the Muskingum County Lyceum.

The following notice of the Political Grammar is from a Committee of the Muskingum County Lyceum of Practical Teachers, who reported on books suitable to be used in Schools, Academies, &c.:

** *

"The School House is the proper place to lay the foundation of a correct knowledge of political science; and for this reason the Committee have thought proper to call your attention to the subject, and to introduce to you the • Political Grammar, not alone as the best, but as the only work within their knowledge, really deserving the name of a political class book. It is elementary and logical; and no book can more clearly give the outlines of any science, than it gives those of political law and action; and your Committee feel confident that its general introduction into our schools and colleges, will tend more to secure the future stability, glory and happiness of our country, than almost any other event; and they cannot omit this opportunity of expressing theit thanks to its talented and distinguished author, for the invaluable acquisition to the schoolmasters' usefulness and influence, with which this volume furnishes them."

[blocks in formation]

Compact, or Agreement with another state, or with

a foreign state, forbidden,

272, 282

Confederation of 1643,

17-19

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