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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.
Words to Understand