Page 27 - JM Teacher's Guide

Resource F
Declaration of inDepenDence Glossary
Words used in the Declaration of Independence and Jefferson’s Masterpiece
A
ABDICATE - to give up a responsibility or a position ABOLISH - to get rid of
ABSOLVED - to be set free from an obligation, to be rid of something
ABSTAIN - to decline to vote ACCOMMODATION - something that meets a need ACQUIESCE - to agree, to give in
AFFECTED - to have an influence on or to effect a change
ALLEGIANCE - loyalty to a nation, person or cause ALLIANCES - a close connection between groups to advance common goals
ALTER - to change
ANNIHILATION - to destroy, to get rid of APPROPRIATIONS OF LAND - setting land aside for settlement
ARBITRARY - actions determined by chance or impulse, not by reason or principles
ASSENT - to agree, to go along
ASSUME - to take on duties, responsibilities ATTEST - to certify by signature or oath
B
BARBAROUS - to be violently destructive, cruel or uncivilized
BOUNDARY - lines separating two areas BOYCOTT - to refuse to have commercial dealings with an organization in protest of its policies BRETHREN - members of a religious group
COLONIES - territories governed by an outside government
COMPLIANCE - to go along, to obey CONJURE - to cause someone to feel or think of something
COMMERCE - economic trade between individuals or groups
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - entire membership of a legislative body sitting as a committee
CONGRESS - a meeting of elected or appointed representatives to conduct legislative business CONSTITUTION - a document that establishes the fundamental principles of how a government will function
CONTINENTAL ARMY - the American army during the American Revolution CONTINENTAL CONGRESS - the legislative assembly composed of delegates from the 13 colonies who met during and after the American Revolution
CONSANGUINITY - common ancestry CONSENT - to give approval
CONSTRAIN - to hold back
CONTRACT - a written agreement
COURSE - the way in which something progresses or develops
CONVENTION - a large meeting or gathering CONVULSIONS - violent disturbances
D
DECLARATION - a formal announcement DELEGATE - a person given authority to act on behalf of others
DENOUNCE - to put down, to condemn or criticize publicly
C
CANDID - to be honest, frank
CHARTERS - documents that guarantee rights and privileges
CIVIL - relating to citizens and their relations with one another and government
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