Congressional Library, Washington

Library Entrance

Entrance Hall

Barley Comparison

Tobacco Comparison

Main Waiting Room, Immigration Building, New York

Ellis Island Immigrant Station

The House of Representatives in Session

300

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER I

GENERAL CHARACTER OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

object of

government.

functions

1. Purpose and Nature of Government.— Although the pri- The primary mary purpose for which government exists is the protection of our lives and property, its work includes so much more that we may truthfully say the object of government is to protect the citizens of a country and to promote their general welfare. Not only do our governments punish the persons who rob us or do us personal injury, and so prevent others from committing similar acts of violence; but they make and carry out laws under which we may buy and sell goods, loan or borrow money, and make contracts. They The care for the public health and develop communication with secondary other sections by constructing roads and building bridges. performed They give a common school education and sometimes col- by our legiate training at public expense, and often provide us with free libraries, with free parks, and art galleries. Further than that, they conduct great business operations where the business is of such importance to all the citizens that it ought not to be left to private parties. For example, the national government collects, transports, and delivers letters, periodicals, and books at charges so low that they do not cover the cost of doing this work. The governments of many cities have established systems of waterworks, and furnish a supply

govern

ments.