ich are elected for nine years, and a lower house, elected
for four years. The president is chosen by these two houses of the
legislature for a term of seven years. No member of the old royal
families may become president of the republic. The president of France
does not possess nearly so much power as the president of the United
States. Many of the executive duties are performed by the premier, or
prime minister, and other cabinet ministers.

Republican France has become one of the great nations of the world, and
its democratic institutions are firmly rooted in the hearts of the
people. It has been compelled to face German militarism by erecting a
system of universal military training. The patriotism and self-sacrifice
of all classes during the Great War have been beyond praise.

GREAT BRITAIN.--During the nineteenth century Great Britain did not
experience any of the sudden revolutions which appeared in nearly every
other country of Europe. For centuries England, Scotland, and Ireland
had possessed representative institutions. When reforms were needed,
they were adopted gradually, by the natural process of lawmaking,
instead of resulting from rebellion and revolt. In this way Great
Britain had been changed from an aristocratic government to one founded
on democratic principles. By 1884 the suffrage was nearly as extensive
as in the United States. Parliament became as truly representative of
the people's will as our American Congress. Far-reaching social reforms
were adopted which advanced the general welfare. Among these reforms
were acts for improving housing conditions, regulating hours of labor
and use of machinery in factories, and establishing a national insurance
system, old-age pensions, and compensation to injured workmen.

Great Britain was the first nation to experience the advantages and
disadvantages of the new age of coal and iron, and the new methods of
factory production. Her wealth and commerce grew at a rapid rate, and
she invested her profits in enterprises in many parts of the world. The
factory system drew so many workers from the farms, that Great Britain
no longer raised sufficient food for her population. She became
dependent upon the United States, Australia, South America, and other
lands for wheat, meat, and other necessaries of life. Her merchant
vessels were to be found in all parts of the world; and her navy was
increased from year to year to protect her commerce and colonies. From
now o