ch we have
inherited from the political system of the eighteenth century.

The author acknowledges his indebtedness to his colleague, Professor
William Savery, and to Professor Edward A. Ross of the University of
Wisconsin, for many pertinent criticisms and suggestions which he has
borne in mind while revising the manuscript of this work for
publication. He is also under obligation to Mr. Edward McMahon for
suggestions and for some illustrative material which he has made use of
in this volume.

J. ALLEN SMITH.

Seattle, Washington,
January, 1907.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

THE ENGLISH GOVERNMENT OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY

PAGE
Struggle between the many and the few 3
The Great Charter 4
Development of a bicameral parliament 6
Limited and irresponsible government 8
Class influence as seen in statute and common law 10

CHAPTER II

THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT OF THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

Conditions favoring growth of democratic ideas 12
The Declaration of Independence 13
Numerical strength and character of the conservatives 14
Democracy in the early state constitutions 16
Supremacy of the legislature 20
The Articles of Confederation 22

CHAPTER III

THE CONSTITUTION A REACTIONARY DOCUMENT

Causes of political reaction 27
The Constitution a product of eighteenth-century
thought 28
The framers' fear of democracy 29
Effort to limit the power of the majority 35

CHAPTER IV

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE AMENDMENT FEATURE OF THE
CONSTITUTION

Amendment of democratic and undemocratic constitutions 40
Reasons for making amendment difficult 41
Patrick Henry's objection to the amendment feature
of the Constitution 44
The amendments to the Constitution 52
Amendment of the Articles of Confederation 57
Amendment of the early state cons