In a Democracy a Survey of Life in Contemporary Democratic America

ed States, our state, or our conlnlunity will be a good place in jvhich to live will depend upon the sum of the attitudes that we as citizens have. If we think straight and support those things that are the best for all of us, we will have the type of country that we all want. In a book such as this it is impossible to discuss all, or even a small part, of the problen st hat one faces as a citizen. We have tried to tell you some of the things that have aided in the development of our country we have explained a few of the larger problems and fold of the attempt that has been made to solve them and we have pointed out some of the problems that you will face as an individual. The outlines of your local, state, and national governments are essential for you to know. If, after you read and discuss this book, you have a better appreciation of and a deeper love for the democratic way of government and a sincere patriotism for this country of ours, then this book will have achieved its purpose. E B B B THE AMERICANS CREED BELIEVE IN THE UNITED I STATES OF AMERICA AS A GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE WHOSE JUST POWERS ARE DERIVED FROM THE CONSENT OF . THE GOVERNED A DEMOCRACY IN A REPUBLIC A SOVEREIGN NATION OF MANY SOVEREIGN STATES A PERFECT UNION, ONE AND INSEPARABLE ESTABLISHED UPON THOSE PRINCIPLES OF FREEDOM, EQUALITY, JUSTICE, AND HUMANITY FOR WHICH AMERICAN PATRIOTS SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES AND FORTUNES. 1 THEREFORE BELIEVE IT IS MY DUTY TO MY COUNTRY TO LOVE IT TO SUPPORT ITS CONSTITUTION TO OBEY ITS LAWS TO RESPECT ITS FLAG AND TO DEFEND IT AGAINST ALL ENEMIES. -- Contents -- CHAPTER PACE 1. The American Way ........................ 1 2. Building a Democracy .................... 3 1 3. We the People .................................. 41 4. Conquering Time and Distance 55 5. Bringing People Closer ------------------1 15 6. Saving Natures Gifts .-----------------149 7. Democracys Safeguard .................... 179 8. Our Neighbors ................................ 197 9. Live and Let Live ----------------L - LL-LLLLLL 21 9 10. Our Moneys Worth ........................ 255 11. Curing a Sore Spot -------------------2 --7 - 7 12. For Human Welfare ...................... 307 13. Paying the Bill ................................ 325 14. Our National Government ------------339 Documents ...................................... 360 Photographs by Neal Douglass We hold these truths to be self evident. . . . I, 1. The American Way WHICH GUARANTEES THE RIGHTS OF EACH PERSON I am an American. This is a statement that every citizen of the United States is proud to make. These four simple words mean more than many volumes can explain. When the average citizen says, I am an American, he actually means that he is a part of the government and therefore is not subject to the whims of any dictator. An impressive number of rights and privileges which have been fought for and won are his, and they are guaranteed to him by a Constitution which is the supreme law of the land. Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and trial by jury are a few examples of the many rights and privileges which belong to the American citizen...