HQ 1221 C31 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY VOL. m, No. 1 SEPTEMBER, 1919 University of North Carolina Extension Leaflets STUDIES IN CITIZENSHIP FOR WOMEN . PUBLISHED BY THE UNWERSITY Entered as secx>nd-class matter March 14, 1918. Issued monthly for ten months, September-June. CHAPEL HILL, N. C. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA EXTENSION LEAFLETS PUBLISHED MONTHLY FOB TEN MONTHS, SEPTEMBER-JUNE, BY THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHAPEL HILL,. N. C. Vol. I, No. 10. Selections for Speaking in the Public Schools: I. Lee, Lincoln, and Washington Anniversaries. Price .10. Vol. I; No. 11. Selections for Speaking in the Public Schools: IL The Present Crisis. Price .10. Vol. I, No. 12. American Ideals in American Literature — A Syllabus: Price .10. Vol. 'I, No. 14. National Ideals in British and American Literature.. Price .50. Vol.. I, No. 16. The Community Pageant. An Agency for the Promo- tion of Democracy. Price .10. Vol. II, No. 1. Lesson Plans for the Study of War Facts.' Price .10. Vol. II, No. 2. A Syllabus for the War Issues Course on the Historical and Economic Background of the War — First Quarter, Price .10. _ Vol. II, No. 3. Extension Courses and Lectures, 1918-19. Free. Vol. II, No. 4. The American University and. the New Nationalism, Free. Vol. II, No. 5. A Syllabus of Comparative Government and National Ideals. Price .25. Vol. II, No. 6. Reconstruction and Citizenship. Free.. Vol. II, No. 7. Studies in the Social and Industrial Condition of Wo^ men as Affected by the War. Price .25. Vol. II, No. £. Americanization: Studies of the Peoples and Movements That Are Building up the American Nation. Price .25. Vol. II, No. 9. Sanitation in the South. Price .25. > Vol. II, No. 10. The American's Creed and Our National Flag. A Man- ual for Teachers. Price .25. Vol. Ill, No. 1. Studies in Citizenship for Women. Price .25. For further information, address THE BUREAU OF EXTENSION CHAPEL HILL, N. C. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA EXTENSION LEAFLETS STUDIES IN CITIZENSHIP FOR WOMEN By D. D. CARROLL, M. A. Professor of Eomomics, University of North Carolina CHAPEL HILL PUBLISHED BY THE UNWERSITY 1919 COPYRIGHT 1919 BY THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA OFFICERS OF The Club President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer DEPARTMENT CHAIRMEN PREFACE This series of simple outline studies in citizenship is the result of a request which came from the Civics Department of the North Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs. The Uni- versity responds gladly since it is seeking opportunities to quicken a vigorous interest in anything that pertains to civic duty and community uplift. Whatever may be one's attitude toward the enfranchise- ment of women, the indications are that it will be an accom- plished fact within a very short while. Woman suffrage will make such a study imperative since a knowledge of the gen- eral principles, structure, and operation of our government is essential to intelligent and effective participation in political affairs. But whether a formal exercise of a voice in govern- ment is granted or not, this increasingly intelligent and in- terested half of our citizenship should know how to utilize and stimulate the governmental agencies which so vitally affect their lives. Recent experience has shown that women know no limit to unselfish service in the larger spheres of activity during a great national emergency. This service, too, has been characterized by surprising efficiency and unbiased devotion to duty. From the strategic position of the humble housewife saving in the wayside kitchen, alT the way to the heroic efforts to maintain morale and salvage life at the battle-front, women have vin- dicated the claim that their desire to exercise the full rights and duties of citizenship is based on the wish to serve rather than to win selfish advantage. To help to conserve this re- source of civic power and give it an effective peace-time ob- jective in making our democracy a more perfect expression of our ideals is the hope which inspires this little publication. If it satisfies the desire to know our government, it will fail ; if it stimulates a desire to understand how each citizen may help in achieving a more abundant life for all, it will be worth while. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction. Part I. The National Government 2. The Legislative Department of the National Government. 3. The Executive Department of the National Government. 4. The Judicial Department of the National Government. Part II. The State Government 5. The State Government : Legislative and Executive Depart- ments. 6. The State Government: Judicial Department. Part III. Local Government 7. County Government in North Carolina. 8. Municipal Government: Types and Functions. 9. Municipal Government: The Government of Your Own City. Part IV. Popular Control of Government 10. The Party System. n. Elections, or The Process of Expressing the Popular Will. REFERENCES The sources cited for reference in this bulletin have been reduced to the smallest possible number consistent with a clear statement of the essential facts and principles. For that reason, it is urgently advised that each club supply itself with a copy of each of the books mentioned below. A full set can be obtained for about $6.00. It may be that some of these books are used in your high school. In that case, it would not be necessary to purchase them. "The New Civics," by Roscoe L. Ashley, published by the Macmillan CcMnpany, New York, 1918, price |1.20. "Preparing for Citizenship," by William B. Guitteau, published by Houghton, Mifflin Co., Boston, 1918, price $.80. "School Civics," by Frank D. Boynton, published by Ginn and Co., New York, 1916, price $1.36. "Government in State and Nation," by James and Sanford, published by Charles Scribner's Sons, New York, 1917, price $1.10. "The Woman Voter's Manual," by Forman and Shuler, published by the Century Co., New York, 1918, price $1.00. "Civil Government of North Carolina and the United States," by W. J. Peele, published by B. F. Johnson Publishing Co., Richmond, Va., price $.60. "North Carolina Blue Book," published by the N. C. Historical Com- mission, Raleigh, N. C, free upon request. Edition of 1918. "Directory of State and County Officials of North Carolina," 1919, published by the N. C. Historical Commission, Raleigh, N. C, free upon request. "N. C. Club Year Book," 1917-18, 1918-19, by the North Carolina Club, published by the Extension Department of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N. C, free upon request. Publications of the various Boards and Commissions of the State government, Raleigh, N. C, free upon request. A copy of the "North Carolina Manual," 1919, by the N. C. Historical Commission may be obtained from the Extension Department of the University of North Carolina for the preparation of particular programs. Additional material for a more exhaustive treatment of any topic may be secured from the same source. No charge except postage each way. SUGGESTIONS FOR USING THE OUTLINE Someone warmly interested in suffrage for women recently remarked, "If women are not willing to do some real work in order to prepare themselves to vote intelligently, it would be a fatal argument against woman suffrage." This outline assumes that they are willing to devote some effort to such a study, whether they vote or not. The plan submitted here, however, is made as easy as possible, to arrive at real results, and the amount of reading, which has been reduced to a minimum, is clearly indicated. A simple outline to assist in the preparation and presentation of each topic is given, but this is not intended as a fixed guide. It is not necessary that a formal paper be prepared on each subject suggested. Some members might present a topic more effectively in an informal talk. If better results can be obtained by a change, the club should not hesitate to deviate from the plan. The subject matter for each meeting is not well-balanced in every case, but it is hoped that the questions suggested for discussion will absorb the interest at such times. In fact, the discussion of these questions will form the most valuable part of the program if the subjects are properly presented, and the members make some preparation beforehand. As a supplement to the studies undertaken by the club, it would be possible to secure lecturers from the University Ex- tension Bureau, the State College for Women, and doubtless from other educational institutions in the state, who would come for their travelling expenses. These lectures would probably be of general interest, and, for that reason, might be given in the evening and opened to the public. Almost every community, too, has a number of public-spirited citi- zens with practical experience in political life, such as lawyers, public officials, and party leaders, who would be glad to serve the clubs in this way. Any of the subjects suggested below might be of interest in connection with the studies in citizen- ship: 6 1. Suffrage: Its Opportunities and Obligations. 2. The Origin and General Nature of Our Government: The Separation of Powers and the Relation of the State Gov- ernments to the Federal Government. 3. The Origin and Development of the Government of North Carolina. 4. History of the Development of Our Present System of Law. 5. Recent Reforms in Our State Law. 6. Sex Discriminations in Our Law. 7. Laws Relating to Children and the Juvenile Courts. 8. Court Procedure in North Carolina. 9. Political Parties in the United States and their Prin- ciples. (This might be presented by a representative of each party.) 10. The Operation of Woman Suffrage in other States and Nations. IL International Government or the League of Nations. 12. Women in Industry : Their Achievements and Prob- lems. INTRODUCTION "New occasions teach new duties; time makes ancient good uncouth." — Lowell. As a war shibboleth, "Making the world safe for democ- racy" marshalled a force of man-power among free and aspir- ing peoples which was more than a match for the disciplined efficiency of military autocracy. The faith it bred among us who had tasted it and the hope which it inspired in those who yearned for it, touched this host of liberty-loving peoples with a compelling enthusiasm. The swift victory which it brought has removed the strait-jacket of war compulsion and has left us bewildered with the infinite meaning of the ideal for which we fought and the overwhelming reality of the forward-look- ing changes which democracy requires in our present day life. One of these changes was indicated by President Wilson just as the tide of war was turning in June, 1918, in the fol- lowing statement : "The full and sincere democratic recon- structure of the world, for which we are striving, and which we are determined to bring about at any cost, will not have been completely or adequately attained until women are ad- mitted to the suffrage, and only by that action can the nations of the world realize for the future generations the full ideal force of opinion or the full humane force of action." But the extension of suffrage to women assumes either that women have changed in such a way that they should vote, or that life has changed so radically under the complicated play of economic and social forces that they can no longer be omitted from the electorate without seriously weakening the social structure. A little consideration will probably indicate that both of these changes have taken place. The liberal movement which gained such momentum dur- ing the nineteenth century opened to woman many oppor- tunities for development and practical endeavor which were formerly denied her. The result for her has been an informed mind, an intelligent interest, and a practical touch with the living issues and vital problems of every-day life comparable to that of men. This change in the educational opportunities of women, which has equipped them with civic knowledge and interest, has been attended and, in many cases, preceded by a revolution in the economic and social structure which has created new spheres of action for woman, calling for political safeguards, or has exposed her domestic domain to the play of such varied forces and influences that, if our homes and their priceless treasures are to be preserved, she must have power to defend commensurate with her more intimate knowl- edge of the need. In order that political power may become effective, it is necessary for those who exercise it to acquire a knowledge of the organization and operation as well as of the underlying principles of government. "Democracy means more than the right of citizens to participate in government." It signifies a well-ordered intelligence and an acute sense of self-sacrificing responsibility. The series of outlines which follows is an efifort to supply to the women of North Carolina the knowl- edge essential to participation in the direction of public af- fairs. There are a few fundamental features about our gov- ernment which should be clearly in mind before the study is undertaken. Our democracy is applied indirectly rather than directly. That is, the voters elect representatives to express and enforce their will instead of doing this for themselves. It is clear that the only way to make such a system operate with any degree of success is for the voters to select their representatives with deliberate care, and then hold them rigidly responsible for efficient performance of duty. Government was originally conceived only as an agency of restraint, to keep people from doing certain things. This nega- tive function is still recognized, and is even considered by some conservative minds as the only legitimate function of political power, but progressive nations are beginning to insist that their governments undertake positive measures for the di- rection of the social will along lines of enrichment and en- 9 largement. As we learn more and more to exercise restraint through individual self-control, this positive function of gov- ernment will manifest itself with increasing frequency in laws that enlarge a youth's earning capacity and stimulate produc- tive enterprise, rather than in laws that punish vagrancy and theft ; in laws for the creation of a more beautiful environment which will build morality into the soul of a people, rather than in statutes which recognize immorality as a necessary evil a'nd discourage it by making the plight of the guilty as repul- sive as possible. Our government is dual in nature. We won our independ- ence as a group of colonies temporarily cooperating in a revo- lutionary enterprise against Great Britain. When these inde- pendent states decided to form a permanent cooperative ar- rangement known as the United States of America, they re- tained in their own hands all the power not required for the regulation of matters essential to the welfare of all the mem- bers of the union. The result was that we have two govern- mental organizations, each operating in the sphere allotted to it in the constitution. The national government with its cap- ital at Washington is a government with powers delegated to it by the states for the regulation of questions affecting the welfare of all. The states reserve all other powers, exercising them through state governments or delegating them to local governmental units, such as counties, cities and towns. As communication and exchange between the people of the sev- eral states has become more frequent and their interdepend- ence increasingly vital, it has become necessary for the na- tional government to extend its control to a greater number of activities and conditions. This will doubtless continue, but it does not mean that the function of the state and local gov- ernments is thereby rendered less important. In fact, their sphere of action is teeming with such a vast number of prob- lems of every day concern, that they can hardly answer all the calls of their citizens for organization and guidance in cooper- ative endeavor. These outline studies, in harmony with this situation, are arranged in three groups: National, State, and Local Government. 10 FIRST MEETING Date Place .. Topic: The Legislative Department of the National Government The legislative department or Congress is the law-mak- ing body of our nation. It is here that the will of the citizens with respect to the protection and promotion of the well-being of the people is expressed through chosen representatives. In making laws, it is very important to avoid rash and hasty action. As a protection against such a danger, a constitution, to which all laws must conform, was adapted when the na- tional government was organized. Of course, this document would prevent progress unless it were kept abreast of the times. This is accomplished by the process of amendment which cannot be effected without a deliberate and unmistakable demand of the people expressed by a two-thirds vote of Con- gress and three-fourths of the states. To further insure care and deliberation in making the laws. Congress was composed of two houses : the Senate, or upper house, and the House of Representatives, or lower house. The safety secured by the provision that a law must be passed in identical form by a majority of both houses and then be approved by the Presi- dent before it goes into operation, has its corresponding dis- advantage since it makes ready action in an emergency difificult. First Paper. By Subject: The Election and Organization of Congress Outline : 1. The composition and relation of the two Houses. 2. Qualifications, term of office, privileges, and compensation of members. 3. Method of election : a. Senate : recent change in method. b. House of Representatives : apportionment, districts, "Gerry- mandering,'' nomination and election of candidates. 11 c. Contested elections, exclusion of members, the filling of vacancies. 4. Sessions of Congress : long and short terms, special sessions. 5. Officers and Committees of the two Houses. References : Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 241-245. Boynton, "School Civics," Chap. 8. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," pp. 163-170. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation," Chap. 14. Forman and Shuler, "The Woman Voter's Manual," Chap. 3. Second Paper. By Subject: The Powers and Duties of Congress Outline : 1. Special powers of each House : a. Of the Senate : confirmation of appointments, ratification of treaties, trial of impeachment cases, etc. b. Of the House of Representatives : initiation of Revenue and appropriation bills, election of the President, initiation of impeachment proceedings, etc. 2. General powers : a. Financial: taxation, expenditure, monetary system. b. War: declaration of war, army and navy. c. Commerce : foreign and domestic. d. Territorial : acquisition and control of territory, admission of states. e. Creation of courts and executive departments. f . Miscellaneous powers : naturalization, postal service, patents, etc. g. Power to over-ride the veto of the President. 3. Implied powers : a. Elasticity and the extension of power. b. The "necessary and proper" and "general welfare" clauses. 4. Powers denied to Congress. References : Boynton, "School Civics," Chap. 9. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," pp. 16S-168, 174. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation," Chaps. 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. Forman and Shuler, "Woman Voter's Manual," Chap. 3. 12 Third Paper. By Subject: The Method of Enacting Laws Outline : 1. The arrangement of the chambers of the two Houses. 2. Procedure in the House of Representatives : a. The Speaker and his power. b. Introduction and reference of bills. c. The committee system. d. Debates and method of voting. 3. Procedure in the Senate: a. Similarities to House procedure. b. Differences from House procedure. 4. Final enactment of bills : President's relation to the process. References : Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," pp. 170-174. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation," Chap. 16. Boynton, "School Civics, Chap. 9. Forman and Shuler, "The Woman Voter's Manual," Chap. 3. Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 244-249. Questions for Discussion 1. Should a congressman necessarily be a lawyer? 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of re-electing congress- men for a number of terms ? 3. The chairmanship of committees in Congress is determined by seniority. What is the weakness in this method? 4. Does your representative in Congress really represent the wishes of your district? If not, how can he be made to do so? 13 SECOND MEETING Date Place Topic: The Executive Department of the National Government The executive department of the national government is the law-enforcing department. Its head is the President, who is considered the highest officer in our political organization. This is probably due to the fact that he typifies in his person the dignity and power of the government as it touches the citizens in the process of enforcing the law, and to foreigners he would be considered the highest officer because he is the point of contact between our government and that of other nations. As commander-in-chief of the army and navy, he focuses our national purpose and strength when our existence is threatened. Another element which accounts for his impor- tance in our governmental structure is his power to veto laws enacted by the legislative branch of the government. First Paper. By Subject: The Choice of the President and Vice-President Outline : 1. Qualifications, term of office, compensation. 2. Method of election : a. Nomination — ^primaries and conventions. b. Campaigns. c. The election. d. The electoral college. 3. Inauguration. 4. Presidential succession : a. Vice-President. b. Cabinet officers. 5. Method of impeachment. References : Boynton, "School Civics," Chap. 11. Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 248-252. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation," Chaps. 22, 23. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," Chap. IS, pp. 177-184. 14 Second Paper. By Subject: The Powers and Duties of the President Outline : 1. The general execution of the law. 2. Military powers : a. Participation in a declaration of war. b. Commander-in-chief in the prosecution of war. 3. Power of appointment and removal. a. Civil service. 4. Relation to the process of law-making: a. Messages to Congress. b. Veto power. c. Power to call extra sessions of Congress. 5. Control of relations with other nations : a. Treaties. b. Recognition of new governments in other nations. c. Reception and dismissal of diplomats. 6. Power of pardon and reprieve. References : Boyntott, "School Civics," Chap. 11. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," Chap. IS. Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 2S2-25S. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation," Chap. 24. Forman and Shuler, "The Woman Voter's Manual," Chap. 4. Third Paper. By Subject: The Cabinet, or the Assistants of the President in Enforcing the Law Outline : 1. The relation of cabinet officers to the President. 2. The historical development of the cabinet. 3. The organization and duties of each department. a. State Department, Secretary of State. b. Treasury Department, Secretary of the Treasury. c. War Department, Secretary of War. d. Department of Justice, Attorney General. e. Post-office Department, Postmaster General. f. Navy Department, Secretary of the Navy. IS g. Department of the Interior, Secretary of the Interior, h. Department of Agriculture, Secretary of Agriculture, i. Department of Commerce, Secretary of Commerce. j. Department of Labor, Secretary of Labor. 4. Unattached activities : Interstate Commerce Commission ; Federal Trade Commission; Federal Reserve Board; Civil Service Com- mission; etc. References : Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 255-260. Boynton, "School Civics," Chap. 12. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," Chap. 15. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation," Chap. 25. Forman and Shuler, "The Woman Voter's Manual," Chap. 5. Questions for Discussion 1. What qualities should a President possess in view of the powers and duties of that office? 2. By what method could a group of citizens make a protest effective in case the postal service is unsatisfactory? 3. Is there any justification for the creation of Departments of Edu- cation and Public Health in the President's Cabinet? 16 THIRD MEETING Date Place ... Topic: The Judicial Department of the National Government In the process of enforcing the law, the executive depart- ment is faced with many questions. For example: What is the exact meaning of the law? What is just in the cases to which the law is supposed to apply? And which law should be applied in a particular case ? Furthermore, laws sometimes appear to conflict with one another, or seem not to be in ac- cord with the constitution, the fundamental law of the nation. Officials once in office, too, may become arbitrary or biased in applying the laws. To guarantee fair and equal treatment to every citizen in his relations with his neighbors and his government, courts are established to interpret the laws and apply them in specific cases in harmony with principles of justice. In other words, the courts act as umpires in the game of organized social life. There are two systems of courts in our country : the state courts, to interpret and apply the laws of the states (to be explained later), and the federal courts, to apply the laws of the national government. First Paper. By Subject: The Supreme Court Outline : 1. The necessity for a system of federal courts in addition to the state courts. 2. Appointment, tenure, removal of judges, etc. 3. Organization and officials of the court. 4. Its jurisdiction and powers. 5. Sessions and procedure. 6. Decisions and their enforcement. 7. Dignity and influence of the court. References : Boynton, "School Civics,'' Chap. 13. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation," Chap. 26. 17 Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 260-263. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," pp. 193-195. Forman and Shuler, "The Woman Voter's Manual," Chap. 6. Second Paper. By Subject: Inferior and Special Courts Outline : 1. Relation of the inferior courts to the Supreme Court. 2. Circuit Courts of Appeals: jurisdiction. 3. District Courts : jurisdiction and procedure. 4. Officials of the inferior courts ; district attorneys, marshals, etc. 5. Special Courts : Court of Claims, Court of Customs Appeals. 6. Courts of the District of Columbia. 7. Strength and defects in the judicial system. References : Bojmton, "School Civics," Chap. 13. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation,'' Chap. 26. Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 262-263. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," pp. 19S-199. Forman and Shuler, "The Woman Voter's Manual," Chap. 6. Questions for Discussion 1. Should judges be elected or appointed? 2. Discuss the relative advantages of having judges serve for a term of years or for life. 3. What type of person should a judge be? 4. It has been proposed that judges be recalled from office in case their decisions do not accord with public opinion. Would this be a wise provision? 18 FOURTH MEETING Date Place Topic: The State Government: Legislative and Executive Departments The authority necessary for the protection and maintenance of our welfare as a nation, and the promotion of peace and unity among the several states, is granted under the consti- tution to the federal government. All powers which were not given over by the states for this purpose were retained by the states or the people in the states. This means that many of the most vital matters affecting the relations of citizens and their well-ibeing in a community are under the control of the state. In fact, the great body of regulations pertaining to property, contracts, crimes, education, health, highways, labor conditions, and care of unfortunate people is the work of the state government. There is such a striking similarity between the structure of the national and state governments that less time need be spent on this phase of the topic. First Paper. By Subject: The State Legislature Outline : 1. The election and organization of the two Houses and their relation. 2. Sessions and procedure. 3. Restrictions upon the Legislature. 4. Process of law-making. Special powers of each House. 5. Direct legislation : Initiative and Referendum. References : Peele, "Civil Government of North Carolina," Chap. 5. North Carolina Manual, pp. 19-53. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation,'' pp. 11-16. Boynton, "School Civics," pp. 276-281. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," pp. 117-124, 29-30. Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 208-211, 125-130. 19 Second Paper. By Subject: Executive Department of the State Outline : 1. General function. 2. The Governor. a. Election, term, qualifications, and salary. b. Powers : executive, appointive, legislative, pardon. 3. Other executive officers : Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, At- torney General, Commissioner of Agriculture, Commissioner of Labor and Printing, Insurance Commissioner. 4. Boards and Commissions : Corporation Commission, Road Commis- mission. State Board of Health, Historical Commission, Board of Public Welfare, State Board of Education, Board of Agri- culture, State Board of Examiners, Library Commission, Build- ing Commission, Geological Survey, etc. References : 1. Peek, "Civil Government," Chap. 6. 2. North Carolina Manual, pp. S7-69, 83-151.' 3. Boynton, "School Civics," pp. 282-28S. 4. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," pp. 124-128. 5. Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 211-214. Questions for Discussion 1. Is the type of person who now represents you in the Legislature such as to assure wise legislation? 2. If legislation on any subject is desired by the people of the state, how may pressure be brought to bear on the Legislature? 3. Would it be wise to give our Governor the same power of veto which the President has? 4. Should the Governor exercise alone the pardoning power? 5. Through what channels would you proceed if your county desired advice and assistance in road-building? 20 FIFTH MEETING Date Place Topic: The State Department: Judicial Department The courts of the state are the agencies which determine and punish violations of the law (criminal cases), and adjust and enforce decisions where the claims of citizens are in conflict (civil cases). It is here that the cherished right of trial hy jury is given expression, and safeguards thrown around the liberty of persons accused of wrong-doing. First Paper. By Subject: The State Judiciary Outline : 1. The system of courts : a. Justice of the Peace. b. Municipal courts. c. Juvenile courts. d. Superior courts. e. Supreme Court. f. Special courts. 2. Judges of the various courts : a. Election, tenure, duties, and salary. 3. Relation of the state courts to the federal courts. 4. The importance of the judicial office. References : Peele, "Civil Government in North Carolina,'' Chap. 7. North Carolina Manual, pp. 73-78. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation," Chap. 7. Forman and Shuler, "The Woman Voter's Manual," Chap. 6. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," pp. 128-133. 21 PART TWO Lecture: An Explanation of the Procedure in our State Courts by a Local Lawyer Questions for Discussion 1. What are the reasons for establishing separate courts for children? 2. Juries cannot render verdicts except by a unanimous vote. Do you think this a necessary safeguard? 3. Should women serve on juries? 4. There is a salaried official to prosecute people on trial. A lawyer is assigned, without compensation, to defend them if they are unable to employ one. Should there not be a salaried official to defend them also? 22 SIXTH MEETING Date Place ... Topic: County Government in North Carolina Our state has been divided into one hundred counties in order to apply the laws more effectively and to give the people living in the same locality an opportunity to organize them- selves for the promotion of their peculiar local interests. Where people are more thickly settled, as in New England, towns supply this need, but because of the predominance of agriculture in the South, our population was so scattered that it was necessary to organize local government in units extend- ing over wider areas. For this reason, the county has been, up to this time, our most important unit of local government. New counties are created by the state legislature whenever the convenience of the people clearly demands it, and when conditions change to such an extent that more effective civic co-operation can be secured by reducing areas and revising existing boundaries. PART ONE First Paper. By Subject: The Organization of the County Government Outline : 1. The officials of the county, and their duties : a. County Commissioners. b. Sheriff. c. Clerk of the Superior Court. d. Register of Deeds. e. Coroner. f. Surveyor. g. Superintendent of Schools. h. Superintendent of Public Welfare, i. County Health OflScer. j. Other officers. 23 2. The subdivisions of the county: a. Townships, school districts, precincts, etc. 3. County institutions: a. Court-house, jail, county home, etc. References : North Carolina Club Year Book, 1917-18. Boynton, "School Civics," Chap. 19. Peele, "Civil Government of North Carolina," pp. 124-127. Inquiries of your county officials. Second Paper. By Subject: A Map of the County 1. Location of the principal highways. 2. Arrangement of townships. 3. Location of schools and churches. 4. Location of county institutions and community centers. PART TWO Lecture. By (A local lawyer) Subject: An Explanation of the Practical Relations of THE Various County Officers to the Citizens Questions for Discussion 1. As our rural sections become more thickly settled, would it not be better to organize them as communities rather than depend on the county government for preserving order, promoting health, and initiating new social activities? 2. How do your county institutions compare with those of other counties ? 3. Is there accurate birth and death registration in your county? 4. If you should purchase a piece of property, where would the deed be recorded? Why is it important to record a deed? 5. Discuss the qualifications necessary for the efficient performance of the duties of each county officer. 6. Do you think it would be wise to establish a county library to supply good reading and information to the people and the officials and keep a record of the history of the county? 24 SEVENTH MEETING Date Place Topic: Municipal Government: Types and Functions One of the most striking changes of the last twenty years has been the rapid concentration of population in cities. This brings about a closeness of contact which makes it necessary for the government to exercise a control and undertake many activities which are unknown in the rural districts. These densely populated areas are organized as town and city gov- ernments and given power to enforce authority subject to the limitations stated in the charters which are granted to them when they are created by the state legislature. In these com- munities it is essential that streets be opened up, cleaned and lighted, protection from fire provided, sanitary arrangements maintained, and other needs peculiar to crowded conditions supplied. These matters require a greater expenditure of money in proportion to population than either the county, state, or national government, and they touch life more closely ; consequently, every citizen should be keenly interested in hav- ing his municipal government as efficient as it can be made. Yet it is notoriously weak. Recently there has developed a great interest in devising a form of city government which will more readily and effectively serve the people, and do it in an economic way. This movement expressed itself in our state in the enactment of Chapters 136 and 138 of the Public Laws of 1917. First Paper. By Subject: Types of City Government Outline : 1. Mayor and Council Type. a. Characteristics. b. Strong points. c. Weaknesses. 25 2. Commission Form. a. Organization and division of functions. b. Strengfth and weaknesses. 3. City Manager Plan. a. The control of the city manager. b. The powers of the city manager. c. Advantages of this plan. References : Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 174-180. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation," pp. 26-28, 36-40. Boynton, "School Civics," pp. 304-315, 320-325. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship, pp. 103-112. Forman and Shuler, "Woman Voter's Manual," pp. 64-69. Second Paper. By Subject: Activities and Problems of a City Government Outline : 1. Activities. a. Public Safety : police and fire departments. b. Streets, sewers, water, and lights. c. Schools and libraries. d. Health and sanitation. e. Parks and playgrounds. f. Finances : taxes, assessments, expenditures. g. Charity and other activities. 2. Problems. a. Housing. b. City planning. c. Health. d. Moral problems. e. Marketing. f. Public ownership. g. Finances : Debts, etc. References : Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 180-200. Boynton, "School Civics," pp. 315-320. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation," pp. 28-36. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," pp. 100-103, 112-115. Forman and Shuler, "The Woman Voter's Manual," pp. 63, 64. North Carolina Club Year Book, 1919. 26 Questions for Discussion 1. Does a person's views on national political questions affect his fit- ness for a position in a city government? 2. What qualifications should a person have to manage efficiently the various parts of the business of a city? 3. Should a street car company have the exclusive use of the streets without some payment to the city? 4. As cities increase in size, the degree of acquaintance among the citizens decreases. What problem does this raise in electing officers ? 27 EIGHTH MEETING Date Place Topic: Municipal Government: The Government of Your Own City No government comes so close to your own every day wel- fare as does the government of the municipality in which you live. Such things as supplying pure water at low rates, laying sewers, cleaning and lighting streets, providing sanitary mark- lets, inspecting meat and milk, maintaining parks, and making plans for the beautification and future growth of your city may be prosaic tasks but they touch the very heart of life. It is here that citizenship is given its severest and fairest test. If we do not show enough intelligent interest in civic affairs to make the government of our own immediate environment meet the needs of the community in a clean and efficient way, how can we be trusted to participate in the control of the larger realms of political organization? PART ONE First Paper. By Subject: History of Your Town Outlike : 1. Increase in population. 2. Extension of the limits. 3. Changes in the government: a. In the form. b. In the personnel. 4. Prospects for the future. References : Interviews with older citizens. Census reports. Records of the town. 28 Second Paper. By _ Subject: Present Organization of Your Municipal Government Outline : 1. The form of the government. 2. The departments of the government: Their functions. 3. Officers. a. Names, terms, duties, and salaries. References : The town charter. Interview with officials. Records of the government. Files of the newspapers. PART TWO Lecture. By (Mayor or other city official.) Subject: The Policy and Achievements of the Present Administration Questions for Discussion 1. What new activities has your municipal government undertaken as it has increased in size? 2. What others should it take up if it continues to grow? 3. Is your city following any plan in its development which will assure pride in its beauty and convenience in the years ahead, or is it allowing selfish motives and short-sightedness to sacrifice com- munity interest? 4. Who owns the water system? The electric lighting system? Is the service satisfactory? If not, why? 29 NINTH MEETING Date Place .... Topic: The Party System People honestly differ as to the course and method which the government should pursue with respect to many questions. It may be that some want to increase the amount of money spent on roads or schools, while others think that taxes are too high already. One group will insist that the county su- perintendent of schools should be elected by the people of the county instead of being chosen by a board selected by the state authorities. Throughout our history, men have differed on the tariff question, and just now there is wide divergence of opinion as to our participation in the League of Nations. It is in such differences of view that we have the basis of poli- tical parties, for they are nothing more than a co-operative effort on the part of those who are in general agreement to secure the establishment of their will to the exclusion of that of the opposing group. PART ONE First Paper. By Subject: Party Organization and Methods Outline : 1. General committees and their function : a. National committee. b. State committee. c. Local committee. 2. Executive committee and its duties : national, state, local. 3. The chairmen of committees, their duties and powers. 4. The party platform. 5. The "machine," the "boss," the "ring." 6. Party discipline and rewards. 7. The formation of new parties. 8. Advantages and disadvantages of the party system. 30 References : Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 115-120. Boynton, "School Civics," Chap. 22. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation,'' pp. 47, S0-S2. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," Chap. 4. Forman and Shuler, "The Woman Voter's Manual," Chaps. 12 and 13. Inquiries as to local conditions. PART TWO Talks by Local Leaders of Each Party Subject: What My Party Stands for Questions for Discussion i. From your observation, are party organizations being used for public or private ends? 2. What is the advantage of being independent in politics? 3. Is there any more reason for adhering to party affiliation in national elections than in local elections? 4. "My party, right or wrong.'' Is there any justification for this attitude ? 5. If you disapprove your party's position or methods, is it better to reform it from within or from without? 6. The present parties are more than a half century old. Is there any need for a new party alignment? 31 TENTH MEETING Date Place ... . Topic: Elections, or the Process of Choosing Public Officials The government becomes a living body only when laws are enacted and officials chosen to put them into operation. Enacting laws in a democracy involves choosing representa- tives to form legislative bodies which shall embody the will of the people in the laws they make. These laws, however, will have little effect unless they are enforced by honest and ef- ficient officers who are in sympathy with them. As was shown in the study of the party system, citizens differ in their views of what the laws should be, and what persons are best fitted to carry them out. Each party which is formed as a result of this difference of opinion makes an earnest effort to convince the voters that its views and candidates are best fitted to promote the public welfare. These rival claims are brought to a test in elections in which the will of the people is supposed to prevail. This will be true only when all who are capable of voting wisely, have that right and exercise it honestly and intelligently. PART ONE First Paper. By Subject: Pre-election Activities Outline : 1. The nomination of candidates : a. The convention system. b. The primary system. c. The mixed system. 2. The platform. 3. The campaign : a. Speech-making. b. Literature. c. Advertising. 32 d. Political clubs. e. Forecasts. f. Campaign funds. 4. The educational value of a campaign. References : Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 97-105. Forman and Shuler, "The Woman Voter's Manual," pp. 80-85. Boynton, "School Civics," pp. 360-365. Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," pp. 32-37. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation," pp. 47-51. Second Paper. By Subject: The Election Outline : 1. Qualification of voters. 2. Registration. 3. Dates and election officials. 4. Types of ballots : a. The party ballot. b. The Australian ballot. 5. Process of voting. 6. Counting the ballots. 7. Declaring the result. References : Guitteau, "Preparing for Citizenship," Chap. 3. Ashley, "The New Civics," pp. 106-112. James and Sanford, "Government in State and Nation," pp. 43-47. The State Election Law. (Secure from a local lawyer) 33 PART TWO Illustration of the actual process of voting by the members of the Club, assisted by an experienced person. Questions for Discussion 1. "One man at the primary is worth ten at the election." What ground is there for this statement? 2. The election is held through a series of days in England and on holidays on the continent. Do you think this is wise? 3. To what extent should the following be used as a qualification for suffrage: Age? Race? Education? Property? Length of residence? Sex? 4. We vote for two officers in the Executive Department of the na- tional government, and for over a dozen in the state Executive Department. Would it not be wiser to elect a governor and let him appoint the others? 34 Cornell University Library HQ 1221.C31 Studies In citizenship for women, 3 1924 009 570 957