VCR Lesson 1 Presentation
David Scott
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word from Lesson 1:
In the 1600's, a period of _______ occurred between the Rurikid and Romanov dynasties in Russia.
The Word
Interregnum (n.)
1. Any period of time when a state is without a ruler or has a provisional government, especially between the reign of a sovereign and a successor.
2. An interval between controlling elements; an interruption in an otherwise continuous function of process
Roots
(Inter)(reg)n(um)
Inter-Between
Reg-Ruler
Um-State
Synonyms
- Discontinuity
- Interim
- Break
Anotnyms
- Continuance
- Rise to Power
- Inauguration
History
- The first documented interregnum came in China in 206 BC, after the death of Qin. This threw the country into confusion because Qin was the last of his bloodline and the nation remained without a ruler for 4 years.
- The word popularized itself in European languages when it was used as a term after the death or resignation of the Pope.
- The U.S.A has become infamous for causing interregnums, from Iran and Vietnam to Chile and Brazil.
CHOOSE THE LETTER OF THE SENTENCE IN WHICH THE WORD IN BOLD-FACED TYPE IS USED INCORRECTLY.
a.) During the Chilean interregnum of 1965, the crime rate skyrocketed.
b.) The interregnum came to an end with the Inauguration of Washington.
c.) The government funded interregnum helped with employment across the state.
d.) The church looked for a replacement Pope after the first became ill, fearing an interregnum.
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The correct answer is (C). In this sentence, an interregnum is treated like a state policy, not a period of absence of leadership.