ratified Approved

bicameral Made up of two houses, a Senate and a House of Representatives

unitary undivided

Ad interim temporary

Protege Someone who receives support and guidance from another person.

adjutant Staff officer who assist the commanding officer.

dictator A ruler with total power.

courier A messenger sent on an urgent mission.

skirmish A brief fight between two small groups of soldiers.

War council A meeting of army leaders to plan a course of action for battle.

siesta A rest taken after the noon meal.

Manifest destination The belief that the United States had the right and duty to expand to the Pacific Ocean.

Institutional loans Money lent by a bank or a business.

negotiate To reach an agreement through compromise.

renege To back out of an agreement.