Elements of Civil Government

Alexander L. Peterman

Elements of Civil Government by Alexander L. Peterman is a foundational educational text designed to introduce young readers, students, and aspiring citizens to the structure, principles, and functioning of civil government in the United States. Originally published in the late 19th century, the book offers a clear, systematic overview of American civic institutions—from the family and local governments to the state and federal systems. Divided into two comprehensive parts, the first half explains the roles and organization of various levels of governance, beginning with the most immediate and personal—The Family and The School—and progressing through the Civil District, Township, County, Municipality, State, and ultimately the United States Government. Each chapter is reinforced with suggestive questions to encourage discussion and critical thinking, making the book particularly useful in classrooms. The second part of the book introduces broader concepts of political science and democratic citizenship, such as the forms of government, justice, rights and duties, the rule of law, suffrage, elections, and party politics. Peterman also explains key mechanisms like the Australian Ballot System, legislative processes, taxation, and revenue collection. What sets this work apart is its pedagogical clarity and its commitment to cultivating informed, active citizens. Peterman emphasizes both knowledge and responsibility, illustrating how the individual connects to larger structures of governance. The book concludes with the inclusion of significant constitutional excerpts and a focus on the state of Georgia as a case study in American federalism. Elements of Civil Government remains a vital historical text that provides both a snapshot of civic education at the turn of the 20th century and timeless foundational principles of American democracy.

Table of contents

• PREFACE.
• PART 1.
• CHAPTER 1. THE FAMILY.
• CHAPTER 2. THE SCHOOL.
• CHAPTER 3. THE CIVIL DISTRICT.
• CHAPTER 4. THE TOWNSHIP OR TOWN.
• CHAPTER 5. THE COUNTY.
• CHAPTER 6. MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS.
• CHAPTER 7. THE STATE.
• CHAPTER 8. THE STATE--(Continued).
• CHAPTER 9. THE STATE--(Continued).
• CHAPTER 10. THE STATE--(Continued).
• CHAPTER 11. THE UNITED STATES.
• CHAPTER 12. THE UNITED STATES--(Continued).
• CHAPTER 13. THE UNITED STATES--(Continued).
• CHAPTER 14. THE UNITED STATES--(Continued).
• PART 2.
• CHAPTER 15. GOVERNMENT.
• CHAPTER 16. JUSTICE.
• CHAPTER 17. LAW AND LIBERTY.
• CHAPTER 18. SUFFRAGE AND ELECTIONS.
• CHAPTER 19. THE AUSTRALIAN BALLOT SYSTEM.
• CHAPTER 20. PARTIES AND PARTY MACHINERY.
• CHAPTER 21. LEGISLATION.
• CHAPTER 22. REVENUE AND TAXATION.
• THE STATE OF GEORGIA.