ll for her statesmen and politicians to
examine the American constitution, and to study its workings. To do
this at close range it will be necessary for the student to visit
Washington, the Capital of the United States of America. Here he will
find the President, or the chief of the nation. With the co-operation
of his Cabinet and a large staff of assistants, the President
administers the affairs of the Federal Government. He may be a new man
and have had no previous training in diplomacy, and little
administrative experience, but in all probability he is a man of
resource and adaptability, who has mastered every detail of his high
office. All important matters are referred to him, so that his daily
work taxes his whole strength and energy. Another part of his function
is to see the Congressmen, Senators, or Representatives, and others who
call to see him on business, and this takes up a great part of his
time. In fact, he is expected to be, and generally is, 'Suaviter in
modo, fortiter in re'.

In Washington the National Congress, which is composed of the Senate
and of the House of Representatives, holds its sittings in the Capitol,
and passes bills subject to the approval of the President. If he signs
a bill it becomes law, and binds the nation. The basic principle of
democracy is the sovereignty of the people, but as the people cannot of
themselves govern the country, they must delegate their power to agents
who act for them. Thus they elect the Chief Magistrate to govern the
country, and legislators to make the laws. The powers given to these
agents are irrevocable during their respective terms of office. The
electors are absolutely bound by their actions. Whatever laws Congress
may pass, the people must strictly obey; thus the servants of the
people really become their masters. There is no fear, however, that
their masters pro tempore will betray their trust, as any neglect of
duty on their part, or disregard of the wishes of their constituents,
would most likely destroy their chances of re-election.

According to the terms of the Constitution, the senators and
representatives must be residents of the states for which they are
chosen. This is an excellent provision, insuring that the people's
delegates possess local knowledge and know how to safeguard the
interests and welfare of the states which sent them to Washington. On
the other hand, as each state, irrespective of its size, is entitled to
el