knowledge and instruction was the object of the writer in the compilation of the following work. It is intended as a text-book for young men, either in public education or private reading. The works which have preceded it have chiefly been confined to one subject, Constitutional Jurisprudence. The plan of this is much more extensive, though in execution it has not occupied more space. The object of the author was to give, not merely a view of the Constitution, but a brief and correct delineation of the theory and operation of the government. Accordingly, he has not only given a condensed sketch of the Origin of the Constitution, -Political Jurisprudence, and the Ratifications of the States, but has added a brief view of the State Constitutions, and of the Relations between the States and the Nation, and the practical operation of the General and State Governments. The latter part of this work,-being nearly half,--is, therefore, almost wholly original; and the rest, it is believed, has lost nothing by being, in a great measure, free from comments, while it is accompanied by references to the highest authorities. In preparing this work, the author has consulted many writers on national and political law,-to some of whom, as will be seen by the references, he has been under special obligation. On Constitutional Jurisprudence, he has followed chiefly the outlines of Chancellor Kent in his Lectures, Justice Story in his Commentaries, and the decisions of that great and enlightened expositor of the Consti tution,--the Supreme Court. In the general principles and relations of the government, he has followed substantially the opinions of President Madison and Mr. Webster, the founder and defender, as he believes, of the true system of American politics. In conclusion, the author believes that no principle will be found here which has not the superior weight of authority in its favour,-none which in any way impairs the principles and durability of republican government,-none which was not also the faith of that illustrious band of patriots, who formed and left to other ages that greatest monument of human wisdom,-the American Constitution. Cincinnati, July, 1834. Constitution of the United States, with the Decisions, Authoritative, of every Branch 28-435 Relations between the General and State Gov- 507-538 |