The liquidation of the German states (Länder) is now substantially complete. A few traces of old snow from the Weimar winter still remain, but these are rapidly melting away under the sun of National Socialism. The ancient problem of Reichsreform, of Bundesstaat versus Einheitsstaat, has been solved in favor of the unitary, totalitarian Reich. The liquidating process may be studied under three separate, but closely related, topics. These are: the governmental reorganization and subordination of the Länder to the Reich; the unification of German law; and the territorial reform of the Länder.

So long a time has now elapsed since the creation of the first Committee on Policy that even old members of the Association need to be reminded of the order of events.

As a result of certain expressions used by Charles A. Beard in his presidential address at the St. Louis meeting of the Association in December, 1926, a Committee on Policy was set up for the purpose of making a survey of the field of political science and the opportunities and obligations of the Association. This committee, as originally appointed by President W. B. Munro in January, 1927, consisted of C. A. Beard (chairman), C. E. Merriam, F. A. Ogg, R. C. Brooks, W. F. Willoughby, and J. R. Hayden. The following May, Dr. Beard, though remaining a member of the Committee, resigned the chairmanship and was replaced in that position by Thomas H. Reed. The Committee applied to the Carnegie Corporation for aid in making the required study and received in December, 1927, a grant of $7,500. The Committee, with certain changes in membership, continued in existence until December, 1930.