of this nature as soon as it occurred, but these notes will never leave my writing-case; I had rather injure the success of my statements than add my name to the list of those strangers who repay the generous hospitality they have received by subsequent chagrin and annoyance. I am aware that, notwithstanding my care, nothing will be easier than to criticise this book, if any one ever chooses to criticise it. Those readers who may examine it closely will discover the fundamental idea which connects the several parts together. But the diversity of the subjects I have had to treat is exceedingly great, and it will not be difficult to oppose an isolated fact to the body of facts which I quote, or an isolated idea to the body of ideas I put forth. I hope to be read in the spirit which has guided my labours, and that my book may be judged by the general impression it leaves, as I have formed my own judgement not on any single reason, but upon the mass of evidence. It must not be forgotten that the author who wishes to be understood is obliged to push all his ideas to their utmost theoretical consequences, and often to the verge of what is false or impracticable; for if it be necessary sometimes to quit the rules of logic in active life, such is not the case in discourse, and a man finds that almost as many difficulties spring from inconsistency of language, as usually arise from consistency of conduct. I conclude by pointing out myself what many readers will consider the principal defect of the work. This book is written to favour no particular views, and in composing it I have entertained-no design of serving or attacking any party: I have undertaken not to see differently, but to look further than parties, and whilst they are busied for the morrow, I have turned my thoughts to the Future. 1 Political consequences of the social condition of the CHAPTER IV. Page 47 The principle of the sovereignty of the people in America. CHAPTER V. Necessity of examining the condition of the States before that of the Union at large The American system of townships and municipal bodies Limits of the township 49 53 54 57 88 The executive power of the State Political effects of the system of local administration in the United States 89 68 CHAPTER VI. Judicial power in the United States, and its influence on CHAPTER VIII. The Federal Constitution History of the Federal Constitution Summary of the Federal Constitution ... Page 122 ib. 125 ... 127 129 ib. 133 134 A further difference between the Senate and the House of Representatives The executive power Differences between the position of the President of .... 136 Accidental causes which may increase the influence ... 140 142 High rank of the Supreme courts amongst the great In what respects the Federal constitution is superior to that of the States tution of the United States of America from all Advantages of the Federal system in general, and |