Problems in American Democracy

f the group. The types of government are numerous, varying with the character of the group, and with the particular conditions under which it exists. But we know of no government

e eliminated or minimized? The most constructive work which the American citizen is called upon to do

orld. Important discoveries have greatly increased our knowledge of natural science; epoch-making inventions have revolutionized manufacturing, commerce and transportation. In every civilized land there have been readjustments of political beliefs, a

rld over. In the second place, the whole period of our national development has fallen within this age of change and readjustment This means that we have had to grapple with the problems common to all modern countries during a per

has come to imply, not merely a form of government, but actually a philosophy of life stressing justice and happiness for the individual, whether in his political, social, or economic capacity. The more humanitar

ernalism which at present appears necessary to an effective treatment of certain problems. We are behind Germany in legislation designed to prevent industrial accidents, lessen the evils of unemployment, and otherwise protect the worker against the risks of industry. But Germany has built up this system of

for purposes of study, we must bear in mind that the questions which we are to discuss are connected with one another in a most baffling way. To understand the administration of charity, for example, we ought to know the social, economic, and political background of the community under observation. The thorough study of this background would lead us to crime,

ch follow, the attempt has been made to arrange the groups of problems with some regard to their primary or secondary origin. Probably the most fundamental problems which face us to-day are those of economic organization. Properly to understand these problems the student must first grasp the essential facts of American indus

signed to eliminate these evils. The doctrine of single tax is of interest as advocating the abolition or confiscation of land value. The co?perative conduct of industry is of increasing importance of late years. We must also reckon with socialism as a movement which seeks the redistribution of wealth. Under the general head of socialis

he rapid industrialization of our country. Grave questions arise in connection with immigration, health, and the cityward drift. The consideration of the problems of the city in turn directs attention to the necessity of a normal rural life, and to the importance of safeguarding the American home. Dependency is a familiar problem, but one which, in

regulate, or actually own, businesses of vital importance to the public? Equally knotty, but fully as interesting, is the tariff question. Should Congress tax foreign goods entering this country, and, if so, upon what principles should this tax be determined? This will bring us to the general problem of taxation, a subject to which the American people will probably devote an incre

able living without the aid of a helpful system of government. Government must be made effective. This introduces us to another series of problems. First of all, who shall share in government? And how may we imp

o think of democracy as a living institution which is constant

n's helpful efforts, America fulfills the first condition of national greatness. Intelligent and indust

ked contributions to civilization, and yet it should not be forgotten that our chief claim to nat

people we have scarcely begun the greatest experiment in democracy which the world has e

be done. Our goal is the greatest possible perfection of our economic, social and political life. Each age may be said to have its peculiar burdens and responsibilities: the prime task of the colonist was to foster the tender shoot of democracy; that of the western pioneer was to

that American life is preeminently unsettled and defective. This is a temptation to be guarded against. Though we shall uncover many defects, it should be remembered that we are predominantly a normal, healthy, prosperous people. But our virtues demand our attention less urgently t

adily advancing, problems are numerous and pressing. Problems imply adjustment, development, the desire for improvement and advancement. They are signs of progress, the growing pains of civil

NS ON T

ined by debating whether or not

problems been steadily wide

nlarged social conscience and the

ne danger of

to illustrate the complex

ce of the economic back

e included under the t

in connection with publ

rising in connection with the

vidual responsibility in studying

nt of view to be maintained

RED R

ings in American De

f the fo

onwealth, vol. ii, chapters

nity and the Citiz

he Development of America

N THE REQUI

sential intellectual traits of the masses of

which may well make a European of any class prefer to dwell there rather th

upon the quality of humor in the Am

have over European countries in the matter of gr

t "Democracy rests on faith.

ocracy is fundamentally a matter of human r

are the four chief defects of Amer

s which civic education should aim

INVESTIGATI

ity. List these problems in the order in which they occur to you, or are discovered b

ur list according as they are

your list according as they

ty and inter-relationship of

-public, or private, are study

e citizens of your community show in

t the world over. (Bryce, Modern D

of American democracy. (Merriam, A

citizenship. (Bryce, Hindr

life. (Croly, The Promise

democracy. (Hughes, Conditions of

ican history. (Adams, The Power

odburn and Moran, The Citizen

y. (Bryce, Modern Democrac

RICAN ECONO

S OF AMERIC