PROBLEMS OF RECONSTRUCTION I STATE INSTITUTIONAL REFORM In the foregoing chapter I have traced the larger aspects of a constructive relation between the national and democratic principles in the field of foreign politics.

The task remains of depicting somewhat in detail the aspect which our more important domestic problems assume from the point of view of the same relationship.

The general outlines of this picture have already been roughly sketched; but the mere sketch of a fruitful general policy is not enough.

A national policy must be justified by the flexibility with which, without any loss of its integrity, it can be applied to specific problems, differing radically one from another in character and significance.

That the idea of a constructive relationship between nationality and democracy is flexible without being invertebrate is one of its greatest merits.