9781422287453

abolition— the act of ending slavery. Prior to the Civil War, a per- son who called for an end to slavery was called an abolitionist. architecture— the character and design of buildings and other pub- lic structures. constitution— the document containing the laws of a state or nation. legislature— an organized body of persons having the authority to make laws for a political unit. mercenary— a soldier hired for service in the army of a foreign country. revolution— the forcible overthrow of a government. philosopher— a person who offers his views to questions that may not have clear-cut answers. plantation— a large farm that grows cotton, tobacco, coffee and similar crops. Words to Understand