Published in 1902, Reeves' scholarly account surveys the experimental legislation in Australia and New Zealand during this period.

Volume 1: Preface; 1. A continent and some islands; 2. The progressive movement; 3. Women's franchise; 4. Federation; 5. Preferential voting; 6. The land question; Index. Volume 2: 1. The labour question; 2. Old age pensions; 3. Liquor laws; 4. The exclusion of aliens and undesirables; Index.