Publisher's Synopsis
In defining its scope the writer says: "Political science deals with government. .... Its field lies in the examination and analysis of the varying forms of human organization in which the element of social control is embodied." But "the organized aspect of the community, the state, must be treated not only as an actuality, but also as a product of the past, and as the basis of the life of the future." Having thus defined its scope, he proceeds to trace its relations to the other sciences. Its conclusions, of course, are based upon the facts of history. "There is, indeed, a natural tendency on the part of the political scientist to view history somewhat in the light of mere raw material." Its principles are also closely interwoven with the principles of political economy; while it embraces completely the fields covered by international and constitutional law.
The whole field of political science is divided into three parts. Part I deals with the nature of the state. Here are considered the various theories regarding the origin of the state, the question of sovereignty, the subject of rights, the relation of states to one another, and the classification of states based on their forms of government. In Part II the structure of government is examined. To the usual discussion of the separation of powers and commentaries on the legislative, executive, and judicial departments of government are added very interesting chapters on federal government, colonial government, local government, and party government. Under the general head of "The Province of Government," in Part III, the author criticizes briefly the theories of individualism and socialism, and shows in conclusion that the modern state has tendencies toward the latter. He points to modern protective tariffs; to attempts on the part of the state to regulate prices and control corporations; to governmental interference in behalf of the working-class in the way of factory laws, state insurance, and pension laws; and to a constantly increasing municipal control of public utilities as evidence of how far society has departed from the individualistic laissez-faire doctrine that held sway about a century ago.
Some will be inclined to differ with the writer's view as to the vesting of sovereignty, and the followers of Hamilton will hardly agree that the doctrine of implied powers necessarily means a stretching of our constitution. The paragraphs on the control of railroads by government will scorn to many to give undue prominence to the arguments of railroad corporations against uniform rates, while leaving in the background the evils that have grown up out of unrestricted discrimination. But on the whole a fair and impartial spirit pervades the book. Where the author has entered upon the discussion of a disputed point he has clearly endeavored, so far as space would permit, to give all sides a fair chance, and in stating his own opinions he always does so with a modest consideration for the opinions of others....
--University of Chicago School Review, Volume 14
