The Top 75 Terms to help you Comprehend The Federalist No. 14

Georgia S. Vocabulary.com Contributor
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. meliorate
    to make better
    Roads will everywhere be shortened, and kept in better order; accommodations for travellers will be multiplied and meliorated; and interior navigation on our eastern side will be opened throughout, or nearly throughout the whole extent of the Thirt
  2. palliate
    lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
    Being subjects either of an absolute, or limited monarchy, they have endeavored to heighten the advantages or palliate the evils of those forms; by placing in comparison with them, the vices and defects of the republican, and by citing as specimens
  3. assemble
    create by putting components or members together
    It is, that in a democracy, the people meet and exercise the government in person; in a republic they assemble and administer it by their representatives and agents.
  4. unhallowed
    not hallowed or consecrated
    No my countrymen, shut your ears against this unhallowed language.
  5. union
    the state of being joined or united or linked
    We have seen the necessity of the union as our bulwark against foreign danger, as the conservator of peace among ourselves, as the guardian of our commerce, and other common interests, as the only substitute for those military establishments which
  6. subvert
    overthrow or destroy completely
    We have seen the necessity of the union as our bulwark against foreign danger, as the conservator of peace among ourselves, as the guardian of our commerce, and other common interests, as the only substitute for those military establishments which have
  7. petulantly
    in an easily irritated or annoyed manner
    Hearken not to the voice which petulantly tells you that the form of government recommended for your adoption is a novelty in the political world; that it has never yet had a place in the theories of the wildest pro- jectors; that it rashly attempt
  8. hearken
    listen; used mostly in the imperative
    Hearken not to the unnatural voice which tells you that the people of America, knit together as they are by so many chords of affection, can no longer live together as members of the same family; can no longer continue the mutual guardians of their
  9. disunion
    the termination or destruction of a unit
    I submit to you my fellow citizens, these considerations, in full confidence that the good sense which has so often marked your decisions, will allow them their due weight and effect; and that you will never suffer difficulties, however formidable in appe
  10. confederacy
    a union of political organizations
    They formed the design of a great confederacy, which it is incumbent on their successors to improve and perpetuate.
  11. abolish
    do away with
    Were it pro- posed by the plan of the Convention to abolish the governments of the particular States, its adversaries would have some ground for their objection, though it would not be difficult to shew that if they were abolished, the general gove
  12. democracy
    the orientation of those who favor government by the people
    I remark here only, that it seems to owe its rise and prevalence, chiefly to the confounding of a republic with a democracy: And applying to the former reasonings drawn from the nature of the latter.
  13. consecrate
    give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
    Shut your hearts against the poison which it conveys; the kindred blood which flows in the veins of American citizens, the mingled blood which they have shed in defence of their sacred rights, consecrate their union, and excite horror at the idea o
  14. administer
    supervise or be in charge of
    It is, that in a democracy, the people meet and exercise the government in person; in a republic they assemble and administer it by their representatives and agents.
  15. refute
    overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof
    The error which limits Republican Government to a narrow district, has been unfolded and refuted in preceding papers.
  16. State
    the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies
    Can it be said, that the limits of the United States exceed this distance?
  17. republican
    having the supreme power lying in citizens entitled to vote
    A few observations on this subject will be the more proper, as it is perceived that the adversaries of the new constitution are availing themselves of a prevailing prejudice, with regard to the practicable sphere of republican administration, in or
  18. republic
    a form of government whose head of state is not a monarch
    I remark here only, that it seems to owe its rise and prevalence, chiefly to the confounding of a republic with a democracy: And applying to the former reasonings drawn from the nature of the latter.
  19. citizen
    a native or naturalized member of a state
    It is only to be lamented, that any of her citizens should wish to deprive her of the additional merit of displaying its full efficacy on the establishment of the comprehensive system now under her consideration.
  20. antidote
    a remedy that stops or controls the effects of a poison
    We have seen the necessity of the union as our bulwark against foreign danger, as the conservator of peace among ourselves, as the guardian of our commerce, and other common interests, as the only substitute for those military establishments which have su
  21. bulwark
    an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
    We have seen the necessity of the union as our bulwark against foreign danger, as the conservator of peace among ourselves, as the guardian of our commerce, and other common interests, as the only substitute for those military establishments which
  22. representative
    serving to typify
    It is, that in a democracy, the people meet and exercise the government in person; in a republic they assemble and administer it by their representatives and agents.
  23. fallacy
    a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning
    Such a fallacy may have been the less perceived as most of the governments of antiquity were of the democratic species; and even in modern Europe, to which we owe the great principle representation, no example is seen of a government wholly popular
  24. adversary
    someone who offers opposition
    A few observations on this subject will be the more proper, as it is perceived that the adversaries of the new constitution are availing themselves of a prevailing prejudice, with regard to the practicable sphere of republican administration, in or
  25. artifice
    the use of deception or trickery
    To this accidental source of the error may be added the artifice of some celebrated authors, whose writings have had a great share in forming the modern standard of political opinions.
  26. efficacy
    capacity or power to produce a desired result
    It is only to be lamented, that any of her citizens should wish to deprive her of the additional merit of displaying its full efficacy on the establishment of the comprehensive system now under her consideration.
  27. antiquity
    the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe
    Such a fallacy may have been the less perceived as most of the governments of antiquity were of the democratic species; and even in modern Europe, to which we owe the great principle representation, no example is seen of a government wholly popular
  28. equilibrium
    a stable situation in which forces cancel one another
    If they should derive less benefit therefore from the union in some respects, than the less distant States, they will derive greater benefit from it in other respects, and thus the proper equilibrium will be maintained throughout.
  29. jurisdiction
    the territory within which power can be exercised
    Its jurisdiction is limited to certain enumerated objects, which concern all the members of the republic, but which are not to be attained by the separate provisions of any.
  30. shun
    avoid and stay away from deliberately
    And novelties are to be shunned, believe me the most alarming of all novelties, the most wild of all projects, the most rash of all attempts, is that ofrending us in pieces, in order to preserve our liberties and promote our happiness.
  31. unite
    join or combine
    Can it be said, that the limits of the United States exceed this distance?
  32. veneration
    a feeling of profound respect for someone or something
    Is it not the glory of the people of America, that whilst they have paid a decent regard to the opinions of former times and other nations, they have not suffered a blind veneration for antiquity, for custom, or for names, to overrule the suggestio
  33. latitude
    an imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator
    The limits as fixed by the treaty of peace are on the east the Atlantic, on the south the latitude of thirty-one degrees, on the west the Missisippi, and on the north an irregular line running in some instances beyond the forty-fifth degree, in oth
  34. incumbent
    necessary as a duty or responsibility; morally binding
    They formed the design of a great confederacy, which it is incumbent on their successors to improve and perpetuate.
  35. turbulent
    characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
    Being subjects either of an absolute, or limited monarchy, they have endeavored to heighten the advantages or palliate the evils of those forms; by placing in comparison with them, the vices and defects of the republican, and by citing as specimens of the
  36. empire
    the domain ruled by a single authoritative sovereign
    It is not a great deal larger than Germany, where a Diet representing the whole empire is continually assembled; or than Poland before the late dismemberment, where another national Diet was the depository of the supreme power.
  37. render
    give or supply
    On a comparison of this extent, with that of several countries in Europe, the practicability of rendering our system commensurate to it, appears to be demonstratable.
  38. lament
    a cry of sorrow and grief
    It is only to be lamented, that any of her citizens should wish to deprive her of the additional merit of displaying its full efficacy on the establishment of the comprehensive system now under her consideration.
  39. faction
    a dissenting clique
    We have seen the necessity of the union as our bulwark against foreign danger, as the conservator of peace among ourselves, as the guardian of our commerce, and other common interests, as the only substitute for those military establishments which have su
  40. frontier
    a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country
    The arrangements that may be necessary for those angles and fractions of our territory, which lie on our northwestern frontier, must be left to those whom further discoveries and experience will render more equal to the task.
  41. flourish
    grow vigorously
    Hearken not to the unnatural voice which tells you that the people of America, knit together as they are by so many chords of affection, can no longer live together as members of the same family; can no longer continue the mutual guardians of their mutual
  42. annals
    a chronological account of events in successive years
    They accomplished revolution which has no parallel in the annals of human society: They reared the fabrics of governments which have no model on the face of the globe.
  43. subordinate
    an assistant subject to the authority or control of another
    The subordinate governments which can extend their care to all those other objects, which can be separately provided for, will retain their due authority and activity.
  44. posterity
    all future generations
    To this manly spirit, posterity will be indebted for the possession, and the world for the example of the numerous innovations displayed on the American theatre, in favor of private rights and public happiness.
  45. mutual
    common to or shared by two or more parties
    Hearken not to the unnatural voice which tells you that the people of America, knit together as they are by so many chords of affection, can no longer live together as members of the same family; can no longer continue the mutual guardians of their
  46. alien
    from another place or part of the world
    Shut your hearts against the poison which it conveys; the kindred blood which flows in the veins of American citizens, the mingled blood which they have shed in defence of their sacred rights, consecrate their union, and excite horror at the idea of their
  47. perilous
    fraught with danger
    I submit to you my fellow citizens, these considerations, in full confidence that the good sense which has so often marked your decisions, will allow them their due weight and effect; and that you will never suffer difficulties, however formidable in appe
  48. kindred
    group of people related by blood or marriage
    Shut your hearts against the poison which it conveys; the kindred blood which flows in the veins of American citizens, the mingled blood which they have shed in defence of their sacred rights, consecrate their union, and excite horror at the idea o
  49. monarchy
    autocracy governed by a ruler who usually inherits authority
    Being subjects either of an absolute, or limited monarchy, they have endeavored to heighten the advantages or palliate the evils of those forms; by placing in comparison with them, the vices and defects of the republican, and by citing as specimens
  50. democratic
    based upon the principles of social equality
    Such a fallacy may have been the less perceived as most of the governments of antiquity were of the democratic species; and even in modern Europe, to which we owe the great principle representation, no example is seen of a government wholly popular
  51. principle
    a basic generalization that is accepted as true
    Such a fallacy may have been the less perceived as most of the governments of antiquity were of the democratic species; and even in modern Europe, to which we owe the great principle representation, no example is seen of a government wholly popular
  52. navigation
    guidance of ships, planes, or vehicles from place to place
    Roads will everywhere be shortened, and kept in better order; accommodations for travellers will be multiplied and meliorated; and interior navigation on our eastern side will be opened throughout, or nearly throughout the whole extent of the Thirt
  53. compass
    navigational instrument for finding directions
    Under the confusion of names, it has been an easy task to transfer to a republic, observations applicable to a democracy only, and among others, the observation that it can never be established but among a small number of people, living within a small
  54. advocate
    a person who pleads for a person, cause, or idea
    I submit to you my fellow citizens, these considerations, in full confidence that the good sense which has so often marked your decisions, will allow them their due weight and effect; and that you will never suffer difficulties, however formidable in appe
  55. liberty
    freedom of choice
    We have seen the necessity of the union as our bulwark against foreign danger, as the conservator of peace among ourselves, as the guardian of our commerce, and other common interests, as the only substitute for those military establishments which have su
  56. specimen
    a bit of tissue or fluid taken for diagnostic purposes
    Being subjects either of an absolute, or limited monarchy, they have endeavored to heighten the advantages or palliate the evils of those forms; by placing in comparison with them, the vices and defects of the republican, and by citing as specimens
  57. territory
    a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
    Under the confusion of names, it has been an easy task to transfer to a republic, observations applicable to a democracy only, and among others, the observation that it can never be established but among a small number of people, living within a small com
  58. successor
    a person who follows next in order
    They formed the design of a great confederacy, which it is incumbent on their successors to improve and perpetuate.
  59. guardian
    a person who cares for persons or property
    We have seen the necessity of the union as our bulwark against foreign danger, as the conservator of peace among ourselves, as the guardian of our commerce, and other common interests, as the only substitute for those military establishments which
  60. prejudice
    a partiality preventing objective consideration of an issue
    A few observations on this subject will be the more proper, as it is perceived that the adversaries of the new constitution are availing themselves of a prevailing prejudice, with regard to the practicable sphere of republican administration, in or
  61. sphere
    a round three-dimensional closed surface
    A few observations on this subject will be the more proper, as it is perceived that the adversaries of the new constitution are availing themselves of a prevailing prejudice, with regard to the practicable sphere of republican administration, in or
  62. revolution
    a single complete turn
    Had no important step been taken by the leaders of the revolution for which a precedent could not be discovered, no government established of which an exact model did not present itself, the people of the United States might, at this moment, have b
  63. representation
    standing in for someone and speaking on their behalf
    Such a fallacy may have been the less perceived as most of the governments of antiquity were of the democratic species; and even in modern Europe, to which we owe the great principle representation, no example is seen of a government wholly popular
  64. Great Britain
    an island comprising England and Scotland and Wales
    Passing by France and Spain, we find that in Great Britain, inferior as it may be in size, the representatives of the northern extremity of the island, have as far to travel to the national Council, as will be required of those of the most remote p
  65. administration
    the act of governing or exercising authority
    A few observations on this subject will be the more proper, as it is perceived that the adversaries of the new constitution are availing themselves of a prevailing prejudice, with regard to the practicable sphere of republican administration, in or
  66. confined
    being in captivity
    A democracy consequently will be confined to a small spot.
  67. rival
    the contestant you hope to defeat
    Shut your hearts against the poison which it conveys; the kindred blood which flows in the veins of American citizens, the mingled blood which they have shed in defence of their sacred rights, consecrate their union, and excite horror at the idea of their
  68. public
    not private
    If Europe has the merit of discovering this great mechanical power in government, by the simple agency of which, the will of the largest political body may be concentered, and its force directed to any object, which the public good requires; Amer-
  69. Republican
    a member of the younger of two major U.S. political parties
    The error which limits Republican Government to a narrow district, has been unfolded and refuted in preceding papers.
  70. treaty
    a written agreement between two states or sovereigns
    The limits as fixed by the treaty of peace are on the east the Atlantic, on the south the latitude of thirty-one degrees, on the west the Missisippi, and on the north an irregular line running in some instances beyond the forty-fifth degree, in oth
  71. absolute
    perfect or complete or pure
    Being subjects either of an absolute, or limited monarchy, they have endeavored to heighten the advantages or palliate the evils of those forms; by placing in comparison with them, the vices and defects of the republican, and by citing as specimens
  72. vice
    a specific form of evildoing
    Being subjects either of an absolute, or limited monarchy, they have endeavored to heighten the advantages or palliate the evils of those forms; by placing in comparison with them, the vices and defects of the republican, and by citing as specimens
  73. foreign
    not deriving from the essential nature of something
    We have seen the necessity of the union as our bulwark against foreign danger, as the conservator of peace among ourselves, as the guardian of our commerce, and other common interests, as the only substitute for those military establishments which
  74. latter
    the second of two or the second mentioned of two
    I remark here only, that it seems to owe its rise and prevalence, chiefly to the confounding of a republic with a democracy: And applying to the former reasonings drawn from the nature of the latter.
  75. Britain
    a monarchy in northwestern Europe occupying most of the British Isles
    Passing by France and Spain, we find that in Great Britain, inferior as it may be in size, the representatives of the northern extremity of the island, have as far to travel to the national Council, as will be required of those of the most remote p
Created on Mon Nov 07 16:43:07 EST 2011 (updated Mon Nov 07 16:49:50 EST 2011)

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