United States Army Training Manual (Volume 1) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1922. Excerpt: ... XXIX WHAT THE GOVERNMENT DOES FOR THE CITIZEN Note To Instructor: Nearly all we do, from the cradle to the grave, brings us into touch with the Government. Whether we live in the country or in the city, whether we are in a factory making automobiles, or in the Army on guard duty, the Government, by its good deeds or its neglect, affects our lives. It is our agent, created by us to satisfy needs which we can not satisfy by our own individual effort, and to regulate the doings of private persons in such a manner as to improve the general standards of life, labor, and education. The very essence of government, according 'to the democratic ideal, is cooperation or union of effort for the common good. As society becomes more complex and human interests multiply and conflict with one another, the function of the Government increases. In order to make the proper social adjustment under the conditions, it must step in and do things that it has not done before. In a democracy, however, government derives its power from the people, and the voters, therefore, are constantly called upon to determine the proper limits. Theoretically, then, all it does is in the interest of the group. Introductory Questions I 1. What is a constitution? Who adopts it, and what is it for? 2. Explain why government is necessary? 3. In a democracy why is the study of government important to every citizen? 4. Name as many things as you can which our Government does for its citizens. Readings: 1 Some years ago the following notice was posted in a cotton mill: "All parents employed in this mill who have children 12 years old and over shall require them to work regularly in this mill. Children shall not be excused from service therein without the consent of the superintendent for good cause." ...