LESSON XXIII A LAW WHICH GIVES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO ALL In 1883 Congress passed a law which is known as the Civil Service law. Appointments to many government positions are made under this law. It is very fair and just, and it gives an equal opportunity to all. We all know that the country needs employees who are honest and efficient. But before this law was put into effect, many appointments had been made through the influence of politicians. These men often gave very poor service, and not all of them were honest and efficient. In 1881 President Garfield was killed by a man who had failed to receive an appointment for which he had been recommended by a politician. This caused so much sorrow that Congress passed the Civil Service law referred to in the first part of this lesson. Under the Civil Service law, examinations are held for appointment to certain positions. Any citizen of the United States, whether native-born or naturalized, may take these examinations. He receives a rank according to his fitness for the work. A list of those passing the examinations, with their rank, is made. When an appointment is open, it must be filled by one of the highest three on the list. Soldiers and sailors who have been honorably discharged from the United States army or navy, receive preference if they are among the highest. Such positions as employees of the post office, the custom house, the railway mail service, the government printing office, and many more are included in the Civil Service system. It is true that you must study to pass these examinations, but it is very much worth while. It provides a chance for the best man to win. Questions and Topics for Discussion How did the Civil Service law come about? What is it based upon? Who may take the examinations? How are the appointments made? What positions are included under the Civil Service system? What must you become before you can get a position in the Civil Service? Is it not worth studying for? Have you any children who would be interested in this system? If so, tell them about it. Allow them to stay in school until they receive enough education to pass the Civil Service examinations. Why do we say that the Civil Service law is a law that gives equal opportunity to all? LESSON XXIV THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT The President The President is the highest officer in the United States. He is the chief executive of the country and the representative head of our government. The President represents the people of the United States to the whole world. The President is elected by the people through electors who are chosen from each state. Each state has as many electors as it has Senators and Representatives in Congress. The President's term of office is four years. He may be reëlected, but no President has ever served more than two terms, or eight years. The President must be a natural-born citizen of the United States. He must be at least thirty-five years old. The Constitution requires the President to see that the laws of the United States are obeyed. The President has many powers. Some of the most important are: 1. He may veto any bill passed by Congress. 2. He is in command of the army and navy. 3. He may appoint federal judges with the approval of the Senate. 4. He may appoint ambassadors, ministers, and consuls to foreign countries. 5. He has the power to make treaties with foreign countries.1 6. He may pardon any offenses against the laws of the United States. 7. He may send messages to Congress advising the passage of laws which he thinks are needed. 8. The President may appoint assistants to help him execute the laws of the country. These assistants form the President's cabinet, and are the heads of important departments. The President's cabinet now consists of ten members. They are the: Secretary of State. Secretary of the Treasury. Secretary of the Interior. Secretary of the Navy. Secretary of Agriculture. Attorney General. Postmaster General. Secretary of Commerce. Secretary of Labor. A new department may be created at any time, in which case a new Secretary would be added to the President's cabinet. A Vice President is elected at the same time the President is elected. In case of the death of the President the Vice President becomes our chief executive. 1 Treaties made by the President must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate to make them effective. Questions and Topics for Discussion Who is the chief executive officer in the United States? How is he elected? How many electors has your state? Of what country must he be a natural-born citizen? How old must a man be before he may become President? What does the Constitution require of the President? Name four important powers of the President. Who is our President now? What powers that you know of has he exercised during his present term of office? Do you know of any President who has made a treaty? |