preamble

Jan’s report began with a long preamble.

Here is the preamble, which consists of two brief parts.

noun:

that states why the document was written (p. 381)

the section of text at the beginning of a law document

Eleanor Roosevelt 1948

Whereas recognition of the

inherent dignity and of the

equal and inalienable rights

of all members of the

human family is the

foundation of freedom,

justice and peace in the

world….

preamble

But on the floor and off, he stressed the need for compassion and humility with that homely charm and wit that had made him so great an asset to diplomacy.

diplomacy

The former president, who was known for his diplomacy, united the warring countries.

the handling of relations, often between nations (p. 382)

noun

adverb:diplomaticall

y

diplomacy

adjective:diplomatic

ratification

The ratification of the new law increased our taxes, but helped buy new computers for the public schools.

When the delegates reached a final draft, Franklin spoke to them, urging all to sign it. They would exert the most decisive influence during the ratification debate in the states.

noun

verb:to ratify

the formal approval of a law or laws (p. 382)

ratification

President Clinton ratifying U.S. acceptance of the U.N. Child Labor Convention

December 2, 2000

despotism

I cannot imagine living under despotism because I have lived under a democratic government all my life.

…I believe further that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted to need despotic government, being incapable of any other.

despotisma system of government in which one ruler has all of the power

(p. 383)

noun

noun:despot

Hitler

Castro

Stalin

Hussein

adjective:despotic

constituent

The local government polled the thousands of constituents to gather information about the hopes and thoughts of the people.

If every one of us in returning to our constituents were to report the objections he has had to it, and use his influence to gain partisans in support of them, we might prevent its being generally received…

a voter living in a particular area(p. 384)

noun

California U.S. Senator, Barbara Boxer talking to some of her constituents

constituent