CHAPTER VI. STORY OF STATE LEGISLATURES Instructions for the Conduct of a Session of the Lower House-Lists of Persons and Properties -Program of Demonstration in Detail-Model The Instructions for Carrying on a Mock Fed- CHAPTER I THE STORY OF TOWN GOVERNMENT One of the oldest and perhaps the most democratic of all forms of government is that of the town. Brought here from England, where it had existed for centuries, it still flourishes, particularly in New England, as a favorite and satisfactory form of self-government. The two essential elements of the town government are the town meeting and the board of selectmen. The former might be called the town legislature. Instead of acting through delegates, however, the people act directly, and by open discussion and direct voting they determine the policies which affect them as individuals and as parts of the community. The town meeting is held once a year-usually in the spring. The larger towns find it necessary also to hold one or two adjourned sessions, and at times, special meetings, to consider matters which require immediate attention. The warrant, posted in conspicuous places in the town, to inform the voters of the time and place of meeting and of the business to be transacted, is a tradition as old as the town meeting itself. The most important. functions of this assembly are the election of public officials and the passage of laws which deal with local affairs, such as public finance, schools, health, roads and the care of the poor. Reports are made by the officials of the work accomplished and estimates of the money necessary for further use are submitted. Perhaps the most characteristic feature of this democratic institution, so dear to the real American, is the general discussion, interspersed with heated debates, which almost invariably occurs as each article of the warrant comes up for consideration. The town clerk is an important official. Among other things, he keeps the records and registers, issues licenses of various sorts and calls the town meetings to order, but the moderator, whose choice is the initial business of the meeting, is second to none in importance during the session. Of course, the finances of the town are handled by the town treasurer, with the necessary assistance of the assessors and collectors of taxes, and an auditor. The selectmen, from three to nine in number, according to the size of the town, constitute the executive authority for all matters not otherwise assigned. They are usually elected for a term of three years and in case of the smaller board, the term of one member expires each year. This board assumes the general management of the town's affairs, listens to all complaints and represents the town in all suits at law. The New England town is a legal corporation and, as such, can hold property, sue and be sued. It must not be forgotten that the foregoing description applies particularly to the town governments in New England, where the original methods and customs are still followed closely. In other parts of the country are found town governments more or less divergent from this cherished institution. The demonstration of a town meeting, although logically the first in the class room course, is not imperative for a city unit of women who are studying citizenship; but wherever given, it will prove most entertaining as well as instructive. A mock warrant, typewritten and mimeographed, similar to the one given at the end of this chapter, may be sent out as a notice of the first meeting and should be used later as a program for the moderator's use. This may readily be made original and of local interest by reference to old records, which are always available at the town clerk's office. As nearly all of our American cities are not long graduated from the town form of government, old records will be equally available at the city clerk's office. The use of real names of members of your group or class as candidates for town offices will add greatly to the interest. A complete list of the members, with their addresses, must be in readiness for a mock polling list. The moderator should be your best parliamentarian. Besides the full quota of town officials, it is well to pro vide for several members to make motions and second them, others to ask questions, pertinent and impertinent, a few to carry on the discussion, and at least one chronic kicker who shall stand ready to object to the passage of any measure containing an appropriation. Typewritten ballots modelled from the illustration should be prepared. The ballot box can be contrived with very little ingenuity, although it is sometimes possible to borrow one. During the course of the demonstration the leader should be ready to make any explanations that may be necessary. Facts from the story may be emphasized, and the subject matter of the foot notes is of no little value. To vote for a person put a cross at right of name 1 These ballots are supposed to be provided for by the town clerk and selectmen. The candidates in larger towns take out nomination papers, but in smaller places the selectmen constitute. themselves a nominating committee. |