Harvard. History, Government, and Economics Division Exams, 1919

 

 

While during the fall of 1918 both Harvard and M.I.T. found themselves caught in the influenza epidemic, it is interesting to note that not a single question in the undergraduate divisional examinations for History, Government, and Economics was dedicated to that significant current event.

This post adds to the slowly growing Harvard divisional exams collection here at Economics in the Rear-view Mirror.

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Previous Division A.B. Exams from Harvard

Division Exams 1916

Division Exams, January 1917

Division Exams, April 1918

Division Exams 1931

Special Exam for Money and Government Finance, 1939

Special Exam Economic History Since 1750, 1939

Special Exam for Economic Theory, 1939

Special Exam for Labor and Social Reform, 1939

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DIVISION EXAMINATION

Beginning with the Class of 1917, students concentrating in the Division of History, Government, and Economics will, at the close of their college course and as a prerequisite to the degree of A.B. and S.B., be required to pass an examination upon the field of their concentration. This examination ·will cover the general attainments of each candidate in the field covered by this Division and also his attainments in a specific field of study. The examination will consist of three parts:—

(a) A general examination, designed to ascertain the comprehensive attainment of the candidate in the subjects of this Division. The paper will be the same for all students, but there will be a large number of alternative questions to allow for differences in preparation.

(b) A special examination, which will test the student’s grasp of his chosen specific field (see list of fields below). The candidate will be expected to show a thorough understanding of the subject of this field; knowledge of the content of courses only will not suffice. The examination will be upon a subject, not upon a group of courses.

(c) An oral examination, supplementary to either or both of the written examinations, but ordinarily bearing primarily upon the candidate’s specific field. The specific field should ordinarily be chosen from the following list, which indicates also the courses bearing most directly upon each field. In special cases other fields or combinations of fields may be accepted by the Division. This field should be selected by the end of the Sophomore year.

Specific field of concentration:

History

1. Ancient History
2. Mediaeval History
3. Modern History to 1789
4. Modern History since 1789
5. American History
6. History of England
7. History of France
8. History of Germany
9. History of Eastern Europe
10. History of Spain and Latin America
11. Economic History
12. Constitutional and Legal History
13. History of Religions

Government

1. Modern Government—American
2. Modern Government—European
3. Municipal Government
4. Political Theory
5. Constitutional Law
6. International Law and Diplomacy

Economics

1. Economic Theory and its Application
2. Economic History
3. Economics and Sociology

Applied Economics

1. Money and Banking
2. Corporate Organization, including Railroads
3. Public Finance
4. Labor Problems
5. Economics of Agriculture

Source: Division of History, Government, and Economics, 1917-18. Official Register of Harvard University, Vol. XIV, No. 25 (May 18, 1917), pp. 78-81.

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION GENERAL EXAMINATION
[May 9, 1919]

PART I

The treatment of one of the following questions will be regarded as equivalent to one-third of the examination and should therefore occupy one hour. Write on one question only.

1. Compare the methods of guaranteeing private rights against the government in England, France, and the United States.
2. How far is it true that agriculture is the most stable source of a country’s material prosperity?
3. Show the effect of changes in the systems of land holding upon political life.
4. What should be the foreign policies of a socialist state?
5. Contrast Roman and English systems of legislation.
6. Were American colonial institutions indigenous or exotic?
7. Compare the administrations of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson with those of Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson.
8. To what extent do events since 1800 bear out the following proposition:
   “As the Creator is a being, not only of infinite power and wisdom but also of infinite goodness, he has been pleased so to contrive the constitution and frame of humanity that we should want no other prompter to enquire after…but only our self-love, that universal principle of action. For He has…inseparably interwoven the laws of external justice with the happiness of each individual.”
9. Comment on the following quotation from de Tocqueville:
   “America is the country of the whole world where the Christian religion has conserved the most real power over the souls of men.”
10. What are the arguments for and against a general agreement that “all states shall grant equal treatment to all aliens within their borders.”

Part II

Answers to questions 11 and 12 are required and will be regarded as equivalent to one-third of the examination, and should therefore occupy one-half hour each.

11. Estimate the situation on August 4, 1914; on May 7, 1915; on April 6, 1917, and on November 11, 1918 with reference to:
    (1) Political power.
    (2) Military power.
    (3) Economic conditions.
    (4) National ideals.
12. Give an outline and critical report upon some one standard work (not the course textbook) the whole of which you have studied as collateral reading with reference to this General Examination.

Part III

Three questions only from the following groups, A, B, and C are to be answered, of which two must be from one group and the third from either of the remaining groups.

A

13. Give a brief account of the career of Alexander the Great. Why has it been so attractive to modern German scholars?
14. Describe the relations of Innocent III to the sovereigns of his time.
15. In his recent debate with President Lowell, Senator Lodge said, “I believe there are some thirty (leagues of nations) in the pages of history.” Mention, with approximate dates, as many of these thirty as you can, and give a full account of one of them.
16. Discuss the rivalry of Russia and Austria in the Balkan peninsula since 1815.
17. Wherein lies Lincoln’s right to a place in world history?

B

18. What factors were most important in the earlier development of the modern city?
19. What have been the interrelations of international balances of trade and national foreign policies?
20. To what extent and for what reasons are monetary inflation and the financing of war inseparably connected?
21. Trace the evolution of one of the following:
    (a) The eight-hour working day.
    (b) Syndicalism.
    (c) Vocational education.
    (d) Protectionism on the continent of Europe.
22. To what extent and under what conditions does national well-being rest upon political control of essential raw materials?

C

23. Does history show that law stifles originality and individuality? Use illustrations freely.
24. Explain the ideas or movements, giving approximate dates, with which five of the following were associated:
    1. Fremont,
    2. Garibaldi,
    3. Kotzebue,
    4. Metternich,
    5. Moltke,
    6. Parnell,
    7. Raphael,
    8. Renan,
    9. Sully,
    10. Thiers.
25. Distinguish the following terms: (a) federation, (b) confederation, (c) alliance, (d) league of nations, (e) federal state, (f) international union, (g) society of nations, (h) world state.
26. Discuss the historical, political, and economic aspects of “freedom of the seas.”
27. “Neighboring nations are naturally enemies to each other unless their common weakness forces them to league in a confederative republic.” Can this be supported by the history of the eighteenth century?

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

MODERN HISTORY SINCE 1789
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions in all, taking at least one from each of the three sections into which the paper is divided.

I

1. The years 1796-97 have been characterized as the most critical in the history of the British navy. What was the nature of the crisis? Account for the subsequent naval successes.
2. Compare the attitudes of England and of the United States towards the movement for the independence of Latin America.
3. Give a brief history of the Papacy from 1848 to 1870, with special reference to political affairs.
4. Account for the revival of the Austrian Empire after the shocks it received in 1848-49.
5. Give a brief account of the relations of China and Japan from 1890 to 1910.

II

6. What are the origins and principal features of the present constitution of the French Republic?
7. Outline the principal changes that have taken place in England’s outlying possessions since 1815 and in her relations to them.
8. Give a brief account of the international questions which have arisen in connection with Venezuela in the past twenty-five years.
9. What have been the principal issues between Madrid and the northeastern part of Spain during the past one hundred years?
10. What do you understand by nationalism? Is it true that the proposed league of nations will safeguard it?

III

11. Give a brief history of the Church in France from 1789 to 1815.
12. What measures have been taken in England during the past one hundred years for the amelioration of the conditions of the working classes?
13. What is Bolshevism? What is its probably future? Does the past history of Russia account for its presence there today?
14. What are the principal natural resources of Latin America, and where are they located? In what natural resources is Latin America preeminently lacking?
15. Do you think that clauses relative to labor and labor conditions ought to have a place in the peace treaty at present under discussion at Paris? Give your reasons for your answer.

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

AMERICAN HISTORY
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions in all, taking at least one from each of the three sections into which the paper is divided.

I

1. How were the English Colonies in North America affected by the course of events in Europe between 1650 and 1670?
2. Compare the methods by which the United States acquired Texas with those by which she acquired Oregon.
3. Describe the various projects for the annexation of Cuba by the United States, and give the reasons for their failure.
4. Give a brief account of the military operations of 1864. What do you consider to be the turning point of that campaign?
5. What are the principal international questions which have arisen in connection with Venezuela in the past twenty-five years?

II

6. Compare the political organization of colonial Virginia with that of colonial New England, and explain the reasons for the differences.
7. Is the Union older than the States?
8. What were the effects of the administration and character of Andrew Jackson on the national government?
9. Criticize the policy by which Reconstruction was carried out.
10. Comment on, discuss or explain, as the case may require, eight of the following: Tordesillas Line, Mason and Dixon’s line, Greenback, Fundamental Constitutions, Barnburners, Drago Doctrine, Forty acres and a mule, Kitchen Cabinet, Bear Flag, Writs of Assistance.

III

11. Give a short account of the Society of Jesus in the New World.
12. “The development of transportation in the years following the treaty of Ghent is the most significant factor in American life between the inauguration of Washington and the firing on Fort Sumter.” Is this statement true? Explain at length.
13. What arguments for the continuance of slavery could have been advanced by a conscientious slave holder in 1860?
14. Describe the origin of Mormonism, and the importance of the Mormons in the western movement of population.
15. Mention, with approximate dates, the names and principal works of four American poets, of three American painters, of three American inventors, of four American historians.

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

ECONOMIC HISTORY
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

1. Trace the course of the rate of interest in modern times. What probably will be the course of the rate during the next few years? Why?
2. Give a brief history of the trade balance of the United States since 1850. Account for the changes noted.
3. What factors have contributed most to changes in the distribution of wealth in the United States since 1870?
4. What contribution has statistical method to make to historical research? Offer illustrative suggestions.

B

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

5. Outline the history of the merchant marine of the United States.
6. What was the Chartist movement? To what extent were its fundamental causes economic? To what degree was it associated with the trade union movement? the movement for the repeal of the Corn Laws?
7. What part was played by the Zollverein, in the different stages of its development, in the struggle for the balance of power in the Germanic Confederation?
8. Compare the economic life and organization of colonial Virginia with that of the New England colonies, and account for the differences.
9. Trace the history of the public debt of the United States.
10. What have been the most important developments in American agriculture since 1850?
11. Sketch the development of the railway net of the United States.

C

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

12. Discuss critically the “free silver” agitation of the nineties.
13. In what particulars and for what reasons has labor legislation been backward in the United States?
14. Describe the traditional German policy toward industrial combination. Analyze the more important consequences of the policy.
15. In what respects is the present railway situation in the United States like, in what respects unlike, that prevailing before the War?

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

ECONOMICS AND SOCIOLOGY
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions. Take at least one question from each group.

A

1. Discuss the distinction between “fair” and “unfair” competition.
2. Analyze the probable economic after-effects of the War.
3. What is the social justification of speculation?
4. Discuss the following statement: “Products that are made for wages less than living and by hours longer than health endurance are anti-social and immoral products and express a ruinous social cost, no matter what the selling price may be. Such products are the result of parasitic industry and are filled with social poison. All industry of this nature is a leech upon the economic and race life and should be outlawed as we outlaw adulterations and fought as we fight pestilence.”

B

5. Give a critical account of marriage and divorce statistics in the United States.
6. Compare birth registration in the United States and Great Britain.
7. What are the principal difficulties in the collection and subsequent use of statistics of crime?
8. Discuss critically the decline of the birth rate during recent times.

C

9. What is social progress? Indicate the importance of racial factors in social progress.
10. Discuss “freedom of speech” as the right of every individual in a democratic society.
11. Contrast the different bases of morality.
12. Discuss the origin and effect of “fashion” on social and economic life.
13. In a few words indicate the most important contributions to sociology by three of the following: (a) Comte, (b) Darwin, (c) Spencer, (d) Galton, (e) Kidd, (f) Ward, (g) Tarde, (h) Giddings.
14. What are the most serious evils of modern social life? Why are these “most serious”?

D

15. What are the principal causes of interruptions of family income? How are such interruptions to be prevented, or their evil consequences reduced to a minimum?
16. What are the essentials of a satisfactory system of poor relief?
17. What are the principal problems of rural community life in the United States?
18. What is Bolshevism? What is its probable future?

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

LABOR PROBLEMS
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

1. What are “fair wages”? Consider the question with reference to (a) the effects of unrestricted competition; (b) the influence of collective bargaining; (c) the problems of compulsory arbitration; (d) the ideals of socialism.
2. Discuss the following analogy: “Like machinery, the immigrants have relieved native laborers of heavy and disagreeable toil and have elevated them to an aristocracy of labor.”
3. What are the principal difficulties in the statistical analysis of the course of real wages?
4. What are the chief sources of industrial accident statistics in the United States?

B

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

5. Contrast the development of social insurance in England, Germany, and the United States before the War. How do you account for the differences?
6. Sketch the history of one of the following: (a) Knights of Labor; (b) American Federation of Labor; (c) British Labor Party; (d) German Social Democrats.
7. Give an account of one of the following strikes: (a) Homestead; (b) Pullman; (c) Patterson; (d) Lawrence (1912); (e) French railway employees (1910); (f) British coal miners (1912).
8. Compare the positions and policies of labor in the United States, England, and France during the War

C

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

9. Describe and criticize the organization and work of the United States Department of Labor.
10. What are the present relations between the labor and socialist movements?
11. Analyze critically the results of compulsory arbitration in Australia.
12. What are the functions of the employment manager?
13. Classify and characterize the different types of labor union.
14. Discuss the nature and uses of sabotage.
15. Discuss critically the present attempt to internationalize labor policies.

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

PUBLIC FINANCE
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

1. Discuss “conscription of income” as a measure of war finance.
2. What is the case for and against a tax on capital in England at the present time?
3. To what extent and by what methods are statistics regarding the distribution of income and wealth in the United States to be derived from the present Federal income tax returns?
4. Describe critically the form of budget employed by some important city, American or foreign.

B

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

5. Trace the evolution of the taxation of land in England.
6. What has been the history of the fee system of compensating public officials?
7. Give a brief history of the state income tax in the United States.
8. Compare British war finance during the past five years with the policies of the Napoleonic period.

C

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

9. What is meant by “classification of property for purposes of taxation”? What are the reasons for such classification? What obstacles have stood in its way in American states?
10. What have been the effects of the Congressional committee system upon national finance in the United States?
11. State the case for and against the increment tax. What is the best mode of levying increment taxes?
12. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the protective customs duty and the bounty as a means of encouraging home industry.
13. Discuss the chief problems of inheritance taxation.
14. What is the science of public finance? What is its relation to (a) economic theory? (b) political science? (c) administrative law?

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

CORPORATE ORGANIZATION, INCLUDING RAILROADS
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

1. Discuss the following statement: “When you find a business in staples attaining size, you may be sure that in some broad economic way it makes for increased efficiency and gives a very fundamental service to consumers. In no other way could it continue to exist.”
2. What theoretical problems are involved in government regulation of corporate security issues?
3. Enumerate and explain the more important statistical units employed in analyses of railroad operations.
4. What is the present practice of American railroads in regard to depreciation of equipment under the Interstate Commerce Commission regulations?

B

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

5. Give an account of the organization and subsequent career of one of the large American industrial combinations.
6. Compare the history of water transportation in the United States, England, and Germany.
7. Trace the evolution of English policy toward industrial combination.
8. Outline the history of the railroads of France.

C

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

9. Discuss critically the financial results of government operation of the railroads in the United States since January 1, 1918.
10. In what particulars, if at all, should the Sherman Anti-Trust Law be amended?
11. Describe and criticize the Federal Income Tax insofar as it applies to corporations.
12. Discuss the organization and work of the Federal Trade Commission.
13. Should concerns doing an interstate business be compelled to incorporate under the Federal government? Why, or why not?
14. Upon what different bases may railway systems be appraised? In what ways, if at all, is railway valuation related to railway rate regulation?

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

MONEY AND BANKING
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

1. Of what concretely do uninvested, of what do invested, savings consist? Can they accumulate to an indefinitely large amount? Can saving be carried to excess?
2. Indicate the means by which the amount of monetary inflation is to be measured.
3. Describe the principal books of a large city commercial bank.
4. Draft an income or profit and loss statement suitable for a commercial bank.

B

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

5. Trace the evolution of modern coinage practices.
6. What kinds of money circulated in the United States in 1800? 1840? 1860? 1870? 1880? 1895? Explain any changes noted.
7. Outline the history of the Bank of France.
8. Give a brief account of the office of Comptroller of the Currency.

C

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

9. “The pivotal thing in sound banking is the character of the bank’s assets.” Is this statement correct? What kind of assets, if any, are of particular importance?
10. Describe critically the use of gold during the War.
11. Explain briefly the functions of the following officers and departments in a large bank: (a) note teller; (b) collection department; (c) credit department; (d) cashier; (e) loan department.
12. Wherein, if at all, might the monetary system of the United States be substantially improved?
13. Discuss the banking problems involved in the flotation of an immense government war loan.
14. What is to be said for and against the separation of commercial and investment banking? How extensively are the two combined today in (a) the United States, (b) England, (c) France?

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

POLITICAL THEORY
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

1. “In every body politic there is a maximum strength which it cannot exceed and which it only loses by increasing in size. Every extension of the social tie means its relaxation; and generally speaking, a small state is stronger in proportion that a great one.” Has this opinion been accepted by any political philosophers? Does history support it?
2. How has political theory been influenced at different periods by the prevailing economic doctrines?
3. Who were the authors of the following: (a) Oceana, (b) The Prince, (c) A Fragment on Government, (d) Democracy in America, (e) The Republic, (f) The Wealth of Nations. In what order should these be recommended to a student of government? Justify this order.
4. Name and give with brief criticism the ideas of the leading political theorist of (1) France, (2) Germany, (3) America.

B

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

5. Discuss “He who serves the state should rank above all others.”
6. Could Plato’s ideas of a republic be applied in the twentieth century?
7. State in outline your own theory of the state and show how this would apply to the United States.
8. How far has the war of 1914-19 a justification in political theory?

C

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

9. “Law is regarded as a truth to be discovered not as a command to be imposed.” Discuss critically giving conclusions with reasons.
10. Contrast the political ideas of (1) Hobbes, (2) Rousseau, (3) Kant.
11. Has progress in Europe been more rapid since than before the thirteenth century.” What is progress?
12. “Who is wise and prudent, cannot or ought not to keep his parole, when the keeping of it is to his prejudice and the causes for which he promised removed.” Discuss the theory based on and give the source of this quotation.
13. Give a brief outline of two of the following and name the authors: (a) City of the Sun, (b) The Federalist, (c) On Liberty, (d) Philosophical Theory of the State, (e) Principles of Political Obligation, (f) Patriarcha, (g) Two Treatises of Government, (h) Politics.
14. What has been the relation of Common Law to national development?
15. Compare the following methods of study of political theories: (a) Metaphysical, (b) Analytical, (c) Historical, (d) Comparative.

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

ECONOMICS OF AGRICULTURE
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

1. Discuss the significance of joint cost in the calculation of the cost of production of agricultural staples.
2. To what extent have American farming methods been characteristically wasteful?
3. Describe a model system of accounts for a large dairy farm.
4. Give an account of the organization and work of the International Institute of Agriculture.

B

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

5. Describe the part played by the American farmer in the (a) Granger movement; (b) Populist Party; (c) Free Silver campaign of 1896; (d) Non-Partisan League.
6. Outline the history of wheat-growing on the North American continent.
7. Describe in detail the methods of agriculture in England during the Middle Ages.
8. Trace the development of the manufacture of farm implements.

C

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

9. Analyze the problem of farm labor.
10. Discuss critically the work of the United States Food Administration during the War.
11. Describe the present organization of the meat-packing industry in the United States.
12. To what extent and in what particulars is agricultural credit different from mercantile credit?
13. What are the opportunities for cooperation in agriculture?
14. Discuss the principal problems of rural community life in the United States.

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

STATISTICS
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions. Take at least one question from each group.

A

1. What is meant by “statistical method”? What is the scientific importance of the method? What are its limitations?
2. What is the logical distinction, if there be any, between a weighted and a simple arithmetic mean? What are the reasons for and against weighting? Under what circumstances may weighing safely be omitted?
3. Discuss the standard deviation of a series with reference to (a) its meaning; (b) its computation; (c) its merits and defects as compared with other measures of dispersion; (d) its use in graphic analysis and presentation.
4. Criticise the following statement: In the case of historical variables, “no coefficient equals the graphic method for demonstrating whether correlation does or does not exist.”
5. Describe the methods of obtaining an approximation to the value of r without actually computing the coefficient.

B

6. What are the more important steps in preparing for the actual field count of a population census?
7. Describe the successive steps of machine tabulation. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such tabulation?
8. Explain the nature of, and indicate the best form for, each of the following varieties of statistical table:
   (a) historical,
   (b) cumulative frequency,
   (c) contingency,
   (d) correlation.
9. Draft a set of rules for the graphic presentation of historical series.
10. In a few words indicate the contributions to statistics of three of the following: (a) Petty; (b) Achenwall; (c) Süssmilch; (d) Quételet; (e) Pearson; (f) F. A. Walker; (g) A. Bertillon; (h) Levasseur; (i) Edgeworth.

C

11. Trace the development of the United States Census.
12. Compare the present status of birth registration in the United States and Great Britain.
13. Discuss the different statistical devices now in use for the forecasting of general business conditions.
14. Enumerate and criticize the chief sources of wage statistics in the United States.
15. Give a brief account of the organization and work of the International Institute of Agriculture.

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions. Answer at least one question in each group.

A

1. Compare the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.
2. Give brief sketches of five of the following: (a) T. H. Benton, (b) Louis Cass, (c) Cyrus Field, (d) John Jay, (e) William L. Marcy, (f) S. F. B. Morse, (g) Richard Rush, (h) M. P. Trist, (i) William Walker, (j) Eli Whitney.
3. Discuss the following statement attributed to President Jackson: “John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.” Show the application of this quotation.
4. Explain four of the following: (a) “Era of good feeling,” (b) “The Battle of the Maps,” (c) “The Great Expounder of the Constitution,” (d) “Fifty-four, forty or fight,” (e) “Millions for defence but not one cent for tribute,” (f) “They ask of me a town, I give them an empire.”
5. “The Northern Hive would excite the same ideals and sensations in more southern parts of America which it formerly did in the more southern parts of Europe. Nor does it appear to be a rash conjecture that its young swarms might often be tempted to gather honey in the more blooming fields and milder air of their luxurious and more delicate neighbors.” (From the Federalist discussing a proposal that the American colonies divide themselves into three or four nations.) To what events in European history does the above quotation allude? Is the conjecture sound? Why?
6. What constitutional questions have arisen in the United States in regard to the acquisition of territory and how have these been decided?

B

7. Give the reasons for and against the appointment of the following to negotiate a treaty: (a) the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, (b) the Commanding General of the Army, (c) the Secretary of the Navy, (d) the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, (e) the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
8. Discuss “Our peculiar security is in the possession of a written constitution. Let us not make it a blank paper by construction.”
9. What extraordinary powers may be exercised by the President and by Congress in time of war?
10. What lines should be drawn in limiting the powers of municipalities?
11. “The Fourteenth Amendment does not enact Mr. Herbert Spencer’s Social Statics.” Explain.
12. Name five important acts of Congress for the regulation of business. To what extent have these attained their object?

C

13. What readjustment of governmental functions should be made in the United States?
14. Have recent state constitutions containing detailed provisions proven more satisfactory than the older constitutions?
15. “A war declared by Congress can never be presumed to be waged for the purpose of conquest or the acquisition of territory, nor does the law declaring the war imply an authority in the President to enlarge the limits of the United States by subjugating the enemy country.” Discuss with reference to international law and the constitutional law of the United States.
16. What are the defects in the method of taxation in the United States, and what are the proposed remedies?
17. Would it be advantageous for the United States to substitute for the system of geographical representation, a greater degree of class representation?
18. What conclusions can be drawn from the recent experience of the United States in operating public utilities?

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

INTERNATIONAL LAW
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions, of which at least three must be from Group B, and one from each of the other Groups.

A

1. What did three of the following contribute to the development of International Law: (a) Bentham, (b) Bluntschli, (c) Hobbes, (d) Machiaevelli, (e) Pufendorf, (f) Suarez, (g) Wolff?
2. Compare the Hague Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes with the League of nations Covenant.
3. Compare the state of international law at the following periods: 100, 800, 1414, 1914.
4. Does the rule of Jus Sanguinis or Jus Soli most widely prevail? Which doctrine should prevail? Why?
5. “Sea Power is essentially a defensive weapon.”
   “To be master of the sea is an epitome of monarchy.”
   Are these statements accurate? Are they compatible?

B

6. A, the United States sheriff is pursuing X, a horse-thief, near the Mexican border. Just before X reaches the border Mr. A lassos him, but X has sufficient impetus to get across the border. There he falls down and Mr. A drags him back. Mexico demands the return of X.
7. After neutral state X has issued regulations forbidding all foreign submarines in its ports, a submarine of the navy of neutral state Y enters in stress of weather. A cruiser of X opens fire and the submarine is damaged. State Y demands reparation and a salute of her flag.
8. A, B, and C living in states X, Y, and Z respectively are in partnership, the business of the firm being the shipping of raw products from X and Y to Z where they are manufactured. War breaks out between X and Y. A cruiser of X captures a vessel flying the flag of X loaded with cotton shipped by the firm to Mr. C. They are placed before the prize court.
9. Is it ever justifiable under international law to employ armed forces on the territory of a friendly state? If so, under what circumstances?
10. States X and Y being at war, an armed merchant vessel of X enters a port of neutral state N and takes on a cargo of guns and ammunition. It captures a merchant vessel of Y on the high seas and brings it in to port where it is condemned. State Y demands the value of the vessel from state N.
11. What exemptions from territorial jurisdiction and exceptions to the theory of territorial jurisdiction are recognized by international law?

C

12. Explain (a) sovereignty, (b) independence, and (c) equality of states. Should these conceptions be maintained?
13. “The theory that the treaty (guaranteeing the rights of sovereignty and property of Colombia in the Isthmus of Panama) obliged the government of the United States to protect the government of Colombia against domestic insurrection or its consequences, is in its nature inadmissible.” Is this good law?
14. In what respects does the right of the United States over the Panama Canal Zone differ from its right over Porto-Rico?
15. To what extent are the following doctrines recognized in international law: (a) most favored nation treatment, (b) the open door, (c) the Monroe Doctrine, (d) intervention, (e) freedom of immigration.

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions of which three questions must be from one group, two must be from another group and one must be from the remaining group.

A

1. Explain the rules governing the legal liability of a municipal corporation for the torts of its employees.
2. Give reason why the city manager plan is suitable or is not suitable for cities with over 200,000 population.
3. What are the essentials of a satisfactory street railway franchise?
4. What are the relative merits of the sinking-fund and serial bond methods of municipal borrowing?
5. Describe the framework of government in any one of the following cities: (1) Des Moines, (2) Dayton, (3) San Francisco, (4) Washington, (5) Philadelphia.
6. Granting a condition similar to that of a former industrial city in a devastated war area in Europe, what methods of reconstruction should be adopted?

B

7. Give a sketch of municipal government in the United States before 1850.
8. Explain the system of administration of municipal corporations in Colonial America.
9. Give an idea of conditions in English municipalities before 1835. What is the source of information for this period?
10. When New York had a population of 60,000 the city expenditure was about $100,000. When Ann Arbor had a population of 15,000 the city expenditure was about $150,000. Why?
11. Explain three methods of election of municipal officials and show why one is best.
12. Under what conditions was the present system of city administration in France established? What are its merits?

C

13. Should American cities adopt a segregated budget system, and what should be its main divisions?
14. Can civil service principles be applied in all city departments, and with what advantages and disadvantages?
15. Should the city of Boston own the docks, and railroad terminals?
16. What principles of valuation for tax purposes should be applied to land or to buildings in municipalities?
17. How far would the Prussian system of municipal government as it existed in 1914 be suitable for American cities?
18. (a) Should there be a limit on campaign expenses for municipal office? What should this limit be? (b) Has there been a relatively greater misuse of municipal than of other public funds? Why?

 

Source: Harvard University Archives. Divisional and general examinations, 1915-1975.  Box 6. Bound volume [from the private library of Arthur H. Cole]: Divisional Examinations, 1916-1927. Division of History, Government and Economics for the Degree of A.B. Division Examinations, 1918-19.

Image Source:  Sever Hall, Harvard University, ca. 1904. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.