PART II CIVIL GOVERNMENT OF IOWA CHAPTER XI 126. LOCAL GOVERNMENT The Formation of the American Union.— The United States is one nation made by the voluntary union of many States. Its motto, E pluribus Unum, one from many, describes its peculiarity in this particular. At the close of the Revolution, the thirteen American Colonies, having secured their independence of English control, might have become thirteen separate States, each independent of the others, like the several States of continental Europe; but, realizing that there is strength and safety in union, they agreed to unite under a central government. In forming this union, they did not give up all their rights as States, but simply agreed upon the rights which they would resign and the authority which they would grant to the Central Government. 127. The Constitution.-This agreement is recorded in the Constitution of the United States, and can be changed only by the formal consent of threefourths of the States composing the Union. (Constitution of the United States, Art. V.) The powers which belong to the Central or Federal Government ThompsoW O WINNEBAGO Kens Max Concord Gamer CE HANCOCK GO Thornt Alexan R. R RA Dows Towa Jewell NOR. Rad Hubbard Rolan Boot St. Anth Ames Nev WARREWK Prom Allerto |