9781422287453

Words to Understand

cabinet— the top advisers to a president; in America, cabinet mem- bers head federal departments. capital— a city that serves as the official center of government for a state or nation. colonists— a group of people who settle in a new land and form a community. Congress— the lawmaking branch of the American government. declaration— a formal and official announcement. delegates— representatives to a meeting, often a political convention. document— a paper containing written information, usually regard- ed as the official position of a person or organization. grievances— complaints, often voiced in written form. gristmill— a mill for grinding grain. independence— freedom from the rule of others. king— the leader of a nation whose right to rule is guaranteed by birth. linen— coarse material woven from flax. skirmish— a minor dispute or contest between opposing parties.