There are instances in our early history where women were permitted to vote—­in New Jersey, for example, prior to 1807.  In 1869, Wyoming, while still a territory, extended full suffrage to women, and has been an equal suffrage state since her admission to the Union in 1890.  Woman suffrage has rapidly gained ground in recent years, most rapidly in the West, and at the present writing (1919) 15 states have granted women equal suffrage with men, all but two of these states being west of the Mississippi River.  The women of Alaska also have this right.  In many other states they have the suffrage at certain elections.  Moreover, nearly all of the 36 required states have ratified the suffrage amendment to the federal Constitution.

Why may an autocratic government perform more efficient service than a democratic government?

What is a “benevolent despotism”?  What is a “paternalistic government”?

Why do we consider an imperfect democracy better than an efficient autocracy?

Do you have direct or representative self-government in your community?  Explain.

What voluntary organizations are there in your community (such as farmers’ cooperative organizations, business corporations, churches, clubs, etc.) that have direct self-government?  Representative self-government?

Does your county or town have representatives in state and national governments?  What are their names?  How long will they be your representatives?

Does your state have the initiative and referendum?  If so, explain in detail how they are used.  Give instances of the use of either.

Give instances (if any) of the use of the referendum in your community to settle a local question.

From your state constitution ascertain the exact qualifications for the suffrage in your state.

Report on the history of woman suffrage in your state.

Do you think any of the restrictions now existing on the suffrage in your state should be removed?  Why?

Do you think any further restrictions should be placed on the suffrage in your state?  Why?

MAJORITY AND MINORITY RULE

One of the important principles upon which democratic government rests is that the will of the majority should control.  It is the only arrangement that can be made with justice.  It often happens, however, that a minority, and sometimes a very small minority, gains control.  It also sometimes happens that the party in power in government, whether it is a majority or a minority, governs without full consideration for the interests of other parties or of the community as a whole.  We shall try to get some idea of how this happens, and also of methods proposed to prevent it; for as long as it happens we cannot lay claim to a full measure of democracy in our government.

If the pupils of your class or school are voting on the kind of entertainment to be given, and a difference of opinion arises, can you think of a fairer way to decide than by a vote of the majority?  How else might the matter be decided?