The Federalist Papers -- Modern English Edition 2 — Vocabulary
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, & John Jay
Translator/Editor: Mary E. Webster
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	390	top 2000
legislatureelected body that makes laws The state legislature passed a law to increase the minimum wage, but the governor vetoed it while claiming it would reduce the number of entry-level jobs for young people.more Show sample from book Legislatures also feel rage, resentment, jealousy, avarice, and other violent emotions.†p.32.5389 more legislature → legislatures:groups of government representatives that have the power to create laws Show general definition a group made up of government representatives (usually elected) that has the power to create laws
	78	top 100
establishestablish → established:created Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more Show sample from book We, THE PEOPLE of the United States, to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.p.318.578 more create Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone) create, start, or set in [a] place
	1	top 100
establish#2establish → establishing:showing or demonstrating The passage is primarily about establishing the relationship between the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature.more Show sample from book Some of the reasons are more fully explained in other places. But even these brief comments establish the meaning of the rule. (No One Has Total Power of 2 Branches)p.176.878 more show or demonstrate Show general definition for establish (as in: establish that there is a need) show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
	202	top 2000
republicrepublic → republics:governmental systems in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws The United States and each of its states are republics.more Show sample from book The only restriction is that they shall not exchange a republican for an anti-republican Constitution.p.159.7201 more republic → republican:of a system of government in which a majority of citizens elect representatives … Show general definition for republic (as in: the country is a republic) of a system of government in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws; or someone in favor of such a form of government
	60	top 1000
objectivegoal It is our primary objective.more Show sample from book Commerce contributes to these objectives, making payment of taxes easier.p.51.869 more objective → objectives:goals Show general definition for objective (as in: our objective is to...) a goal (some end desired to be achieved)
	10	top 200
objective#2fact-based (not influenced by personal feelings or preferences) By any objective analysis, you would have to agree that...more Show sample from book Once the sword is drawn, men's passions rule over their objectivity.p.65.469 more objective → objectivity:ability to act or think based on facts rather than feelings Show general definition for objective (as in: an objective viewpoint) fact-based without the influence of personal feelings or preferences Show editor's word notes Objective is often contrasted with subjective--which means "influenced by personal belief, feelings, or preferences (rather than being based purely upon fact)."
	71	top 1000
factionfaction → factions:sub-groups It was a fight between the moderate and progressive factions of the Democratic Party.more Show sample from book A faction is a group of citizens, either a majority or minority, whose actions are motivated by a passion or interest adverse to the rights of other citizens or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community.p.43.170 more sub-group Show general definition a sub-group with some interests not shared by the entire group
	69	top 1000
usurpusurp → usurping:taking without authority The lawsuit claims that the Federal Government is usurping rights reserved by the Constitution for state governments.more Show sample from book Once it has happened, however, it's difficult to get the people to effectually resist usurpations.†p.39.168 more usurp → usurpations:acts of seizing or taking control without authority Show general definition seize or take control without authority
	6	top 100
negativenegative → negatively:in a bad or harmful manner Higher interest rates negatively affected home sales.more Show sample from book And liberty must be protected from the negative effects of ambition, faction, and anarchy.p.255.823 more harmful Show general definition for negative (as in: had a negative effect) bad or harmful
	18	top 100
negative#2indicated criticism or disagreement The responses to my plan were negative.more Show sample from book Therefore, negative propaganda can make members of the executive branch unpopular.p.184.223 more critical Show general definition for negative (as in: negative feedback from customers) to express criticism or disagreement, or (especially when talking over a radio or in a military setting) to say "no"
	20	top 500
disputedisagreement The area has long been a source of dispute between India and Pakistan.more Show sample from book Cool Heads Will Settle Disputesp.24.621 more dispute → disputes:disagreements Show general definition for dispute (as in: their border dispute) disagreement, argument, or conflict
	2	top 200
dispute#2dispute → disputes:challenges She disputes her landlord's claim that the music was that loud.more Show sample from book Juries in the common-law courts of New York State determine disputed facts.p.302.221 more dispute → disputed:challenged (argued about) Show general definition for dispute (as in: She disputes his claim.) challenge, argue about, or fight over
	6	top 100
criticalhighly important It is of critical importance.more Show sample from book And it would create a real problem: The "necessary and proper" clause can be used on critical occasions to raise doubt about the essential powers of the Union.p.165.718 more important Show general definition for critical (as in: a critical problem) important, serious, or dangerous
	18	top 100
appropriatesuitable (fitting) for a particular situation These clothes aren't appropriate for work.more Show sample from book It must pay the national government's employees, current and future debts, and other appropriate expenses.p.109.235 more fitting to the situation
	18	top 200
appropriate#2appropriate → appropriated:set aside for a particular use The money has been appropriated, but it hasn't yet been spent.more Show sample from book Some people say limiting military appropriations to the period of two years won't be safe.p.99.835 more appropriate → appropriations:approval of funding Show general definition for appropriate (as in: Congress will appropriate funds) to set aside for a particular use
	59
ratifyratify → ratifies:approves The President already signed the treaty, but it won't take effect unless the Senate ratifies it.more Show sample from book I don't pretend that I am undecided about ratifying the Constitution.†p.18.958 more ratify → ratifying:approving Show general definition to approve -- typically the formal approval of an agreement by an organization
	17
Bill of Rightsa statement of fundamental rights and privileges listed in the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution The U.S. Bill of Rights was influenced by the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights, the 1689 English Bill of Rights, and other works on natural rights including the Magna Carta (1215).more Show sample from book 2 The most important of the remaining objections is that the new Constitution contains no bill of rights.p.316.225 more Show general definition for Bill of Rights (as in: of the US Constitution) a statement of fundamental rights and privileges listed in the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution
	39
vetoveto → vetoed:blocked (prevented it from taking effect) Congress passed the legislation, but the President vetoed it.more Show sample from book The emperor can veto legislation.†p.74.638 more block (prevent) an action Show general definition to exercise the right to override another's decision by preventing their intended action
	14	top 200
proportionalrelated in amount Salespeople at our company earn income proportional to their sales.more Show sample from book When people join to become one nation, every district should have a proportional share in the government.†p.223.813 more appropriate or related in size, amount, or degree Show general definition appropriate or related in size, amount, or degree
	15	top 2000
avariceexcessive desire for wealth We can try both to minimize greed and avarice and to channel them into directions beneficial to society.more Show sample from book People who support the right side of a question can also have ulterior motives like ambition, avarice, personal animosity, and party opposition.†p.18.214 more Show general definition excessive desire for wealth Show editor's word notes Like "greed", but implies greed specifically for money. The early Christian Church counted avarice as one of the "seven deadly sins."