1. preamble Jan’s report began with a long preamble. Here is the preamble, which consists of two brief parts.

2. 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

3. 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.

4. the handling of relations, often between nations (p. 382) noun adverb: diplomatically diplomacy adjective: diplomatic

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. despotism a system of government in which one ruler has all of the power (p. 383) noun noun: despot Hitler Castro Stalin Hussein adjective: despotic

9. 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…

10. a voter living in a particular area( p. 384) noun California U.S. Senator, Barbara Boxer talking to some of her constituents constituent