leged class are usually called nobles. They are above the
common people in rank and bear titles of honor. These titles are
mostly inherited, but are sometimes conferred upon persons by the
sovereign.

An aristocracy never exists by itself; it is always combined with some
other form of government, usually with a constitutional monarchy. The
government of England is partly aristocratic; the House of Lords, one
of the bodies of Parliament, being composed of nobles.

DEMOCRACY.--A _democracy_ is a "government of the people, by the
people, for the people." It is a government by many, instead of by one
or by a few. Hereditary titles are inconsistent with democratic
government, and therefore never exist in a democracy.

A _pure democracy_ is a government conducted by the people in person.
It is practicable only in a political community so small that all the
people may assemble at the seat of government. The New England "town
meeting" is almost the only example of a pure democracy in the world at
the present time; certainly the only example in the United States.

A _republic_, or _representative democracy_, is a government conducted
by representatives elected by the people.

The United States, Mexico, France, Switzerland, and all South American
nations are republics, and the republican principle of government is
growing in popularity throughout the civilized world.

No form of government is equally good for all peoples. A certain form
may be good for one country and bad for another country. A republic,
which is the best government for a well-educated and virtuous people,
is the worst for an ignorant and depraved people.

The excellence of a republican government depends upon the knowledge
and virtue of its citizens. The people are the rulers, and, if they
are wise and virtuous, they will rule well; if they are ignorant and
depraved, they will rule ill. Therefore the hope of a republic like
ours is, that its people will continue to grow wiser and better.

[1]Fiske's _Civil Government of the United States_.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

1. Why is military government more severe than civil government?

2. Could society exist without law? Why?

3. Why is a republic a bad form of government for an ignorant people?

4. Are the people of the United States growing wiser and better?

5. Is this State improving in civilization?

CHAPTER XVI.

JUSTICE.

The object of government is to protect the people,