Chapter III

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Government in America has always, in its broad aspects, reflected the will of the people.

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading Government in America has always, in its broad aspects, reflected the will of the people.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading If stupid and blundering laws have been passed, it has been because the people were not wide awake enough to analyze them.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

plural of “aspect” — a distinct feature or element in a problem

From this reading Government in America has always, in its broad aspects, reflected the will of the people.

not in a state of sleep; completely conscious

From this reading If stupid and blundering laws have been passed, it has been because the people were not wide awake enough to analyze them.

for the reason that

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

-ing form of “blunder” — commit a faux pas or a fault or make a serious mistake

From this reading If stupid and blundering laws have been passed, it has been because the people were not wide awake enough to analyze them.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Government in America has always, in its broad aspects, reflected the will of the people.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

a period of 100 years

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

plural of “churchman” — a clergyman or other person in religious orders

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

plural of “colony” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

coming next after the seventeenth in position

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

forced or compelled or put in force

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

divisible by two

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Government in America has always, in its broad aspects, reflected the will of the people.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

set forth authoritatively as obligatory

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Government in America has always, in its broad aspects, reflected the will of the people.

plural of “lawmaker” — a maker of laws; someone who gives a code of laws

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit

From this reading If stupid and blundering laws have been passed, it has been because the people were not wide awake enough to analyze them.

law enacted by a legislative body

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

plural of “legislator” — someone who makes or enacts laws

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

the literary culture

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

the force of workers available

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

many times at short intervals

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

so strong as to be irresistible

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading If stupid and blundering laws have been passed, it has been because the people were not wide awake enough to analyze them.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Government in America has always, in its broad aspects, reflected the will of the people.

the force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit)

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

favoring or promoting progress

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

plural of “puritan” — a member of a group of English Protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries thought that the Protestant Reformation under Elizabeth was incomplete and advocated the simplification and regulation of forms of worship

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back

From this reading Government in America has always, in its broad aspects, reflected the will of the people.

without strain or anxiety

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

with reluctance

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

coming next after the sixteenth in position

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

an act passed by a legislative body

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

not in physical motion

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

lacking or marked by lack of intellectual acuity

From this reading If stupid and blundering laws have been passed, it has been because the people were not wide awake enough to analyze them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading If stupid and blundering laws have been passed, it has been because the people were not wide awake enough to analyze them.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

not altered to fit certain requirements

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading If legislators and legislation have been vicious, it has been because the majority of the people have not cared enough about it to see that good men were chosen.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading THE TRANSITION TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY As the end of the seventeenth century approached, the Puritans were still in an overwhelming majority in New England, but the hold of the churchmen on the government of the colonies was, nevertheless, being slowly and reluctantly relaxed.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading If stupid and blundering laws have been passed, it has been because the people were not wide awake enough to analyze them.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Government in America has always, in its broad aspects, reflected the will of the people.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading On the other hand old laws, unadjusted to modern conditions, have often become "dead letters" because the majority did not wish to have them enforced, even though they were on the statute books; and new and progressive legislation has been imposed on reluctant lawmakers by the pressure of public opinion.