Viii PREFACE

domains of these sciences. Such digressions are, however,
restricted to the minimum necessary to give an intelligible
introduction to the political problems of the present day. It
cannot, be more than an introduction. Had I attempted, for
example, in the Chapter on World Affairs, to assess the merits
of various proposals for appeasement, I should have been led
far beyond the proper limits of this book. On these and other
disputed topics, my object has been to suggest possibilities and
difficulties, and to open the door for further study by the reader.
Although I have tried to avoid bias, I cannot hope to have
been entirely successful. On some controversial topics I have
expressed a definite point of view; but, to the best of my know-
ledge, I have not suppressed or distorted facts. There is, however,
one principle that I have not hesitated to champion—that of
democracy. It is my hope that this book will be of use to those
who wish to form unprejudiced opinions and take part in the
Government of their country. Since those actions can only be
performed in a democracy, the purpose of the book is necessarily
democratic.

There. are many acknowledgments which I gladly make.
First, to Mrs. Hubback, the Principal of Morley College, who
has given me advice and encouragement throughout. If my
book helps the work of Education in Citizenship, for which she
has done so much, it, will be some repayment of my debt.

I am particularly grateful to Dr. Ivor Jennings for permission
to make use of ideas and information contained in his admirable
book, Parliamentary Reform, and for his constructive criticisms
of certain chapters of this work. To the New Fabian Research
Bureau, under whose auspices Dr. Jenning*s book was published,
I am likewise indebted. Mr* John Parker, M,P,» thfc General
Secretary of the Bureau, has kindly provided me with further
advice and itrfobnation. Mr. L« Hill, the Secretary of the National
Association of Local Government Officers, and Mr* Norman
Fedrick, L1.B., have given generously of their time and thought
to help me.