The US – a diverse nation Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards generated directly from the Green Line Oberstufe topic 'The US – a diverse nation'.

diverse

Varied or different from each other; showing a wide variety.

to guarantee

To promise formally that a condition or outcome will be fulfilled or safe.

to tear apart

To break up, separate, or destroy something (such as families) through force or conflict.

plantation

A large estate or farm, particularly in the southern US states, where crops like cotton were historically grown using slave labor.

considerable

Quite large or significant in size, amount, or extent.

to reveal

To show or make known something that was previously hidden or secret.

gross

Extremely unacceptable, severe, or flagrant (e.g., a gross human rights violation).

injustice

Unfairness or a lack of justice in treatment or outcome.

cruelty (to)

Behavior that causes severe pain or suffering to others.

to despair of sth/sb

To feel complete hopelessness that something will improve or take place.

composition

The way in which something is made up or composed of different parts or members.

circumstances

The facts, conditions, and events that surround and influence a situation.

making of

The process of creating, shaping, or producing something.

to prosper

To grow, succeed, and develop in a successful way.

unrest

Angry, turbulent, or violent behavior by people protesting about a political or social issue.

to come to a head

To reach a critical point or crisis stage.

clash

A conflict, disagreement, or physical confrontation between opposing sides or ideas.

to culminate in sth

To develop until a goal or series of events reaches a final high point or result.

constitution

The system of fundamental principles and basic laws according to which a nation or state is governed.

oppression

Unfair and cruel treatment of a group of people, often by depriving them of rights or freedom.

involuntary

Done without conscious control, intent, or willingness.

famine

An extreme and widespread shortage of food.

cornerstone

An essential quality or foundational element on which everything else depends.

amendment

A formal addition, revision, or change made to a law or constitutional text.

explicitly

In a clear, direct, and detailed manner leaving no room for confusion.

creed

A system of religious beliefs, opinions, or guiding principles.

segregation

The enforced separation of different racial or social groups in everyday life.

systemic

Relating to or affecting an entire organisation, institution, country, or society as a whole.

undocumented

Lacking official legal documents to reside or work in a foreign country.

pro-choice

Advocating for or supporting a woman's legal right to choose to have an abortion.

pro-life

Holding the view that abortion discriminates against unborn children and opposing abortion.

abortion

The intentional termination of a pregnancy so that the fetus does not survive.

to advance socially/financially

To move up the socio-economic ladder or improve one's financial standing.

pursuit of happiness

The active effort to attain personal well-being, contentment, and fulfillment.

from rags to riches

Attaining immense wealth and success after beginning life in severe poverty.

to ratify

To formally validate, approve, or consent to a treaty or legal amendment by vote or signature.

federal government

The national governing body of a country, distinct from individual state or regional governments.

legislative branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws (comprising Congress in the US).

judicial branch

The national court system responsible for interpreting and evaluating laws.

executive branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws and putting policy into effect.

checks and balances

A constitutional system that distributes power among governmental branches to prevent any single branch from abusing its authority.

to impeach sb

To formally charge a high public official with misconduct in office.

urban decay

The process whereby a previously functioning city or area falls into disrepair, economic decline, and physical deterioration.

driver

A primary force or factor that causes a process or development to progress or expand.

systemic racism

Policies and practices institutionalized within a system or society that result in unfair treatment based on race.

supremacy

The state or condition of holding the highest authority, power, or dominance.