IV. Glossary of Key Terms
Apologetics Press: The organization that published the article, focused on defending Christian beliefs.
Articles of Confederation: The first governing document of the United States, which Gouverneur Morris signed.
Committee on Style: The committee, headed by Gouverneur Morris, responsible for the final wording of the U.S. Constitution.
Constitution of the United States: The supreme law of the United States, which Gouverneur Morris helped to frame and signed.
Domestic Convulsion: A term used by Gouverneur Morris, and highlighted in the article, to describe internal societal unrest, chaos, and upheaval within a nation.
Gouverneur Morris (1752-1816): A prominent American Founding Father, politician, and orator, central to the article's discussion. He was instrumental in drafting the U.S. Constitution.
Hedonism: The ethical theory that pleasure (in the sense of the satisfaction of desires) is the highest good and proper aim of human life. The article suggests it is promoted by current laws.
Immorality: The state or quality of being immoral; wickedness. Morris links it directly to the foundation of arbitrary power and the degradation of a nation.
Licentiousness: Disregard for rules of conduct, especially in sexual matters; unrestrained by law or morality. Morris views it as a cause of misconduct in rulers.
Minister Plenipotentiary: A diplomatic agent, ranking below an ambassador, who is fully authorized to act on behalf of their government. Morris served in this role in France.
Moral Orbit of Empire: A phrase used by Morris, referring to the divinely prescribed moral principles that a nation must adhere to for its stability and longevity, akin to planets following a precise orbit.
New York Historical Society: The organization before which Gouverneur Morris delivered his speech on the 206th anniversary of New York's discovery.
Pious Obedience: Deeply religious obedience or adherence to divine will. The article emphasizes this as key to securing America's future.
Public Immorality: Widespread ethical corruption and unprincipled behavior within a society. Morris argues it leads to arbitrary power.
Republic: A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch. Morris states that "virtue is the principle of republics."
Vice: Immoral or wicked behavior. Morris asserts that "vice destroys freedom" and is rampant in America.
Virtue: Behavior showing high moral standards. Morris states that "virtue is the principle of republics," essential for their survival.
