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Sovereignty Vocabulary Introduction

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Sovereignty Vocabulary Introduction

Read the short briefing, then solve each vocabulary challenge. Use clues in the context as well as word meanings. In Aotearoa New Zealand, sovereignty and authority can be understood in different ways, including through discussions of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Briefing: who has the authority?

A community is planning how to care for a local river. Its members want a meaningful say in decisions that affect their home. They discuss who has authority to make rules, how those rules should be agreed, and how people’s rights can be protected. These questions connect to sovereignty: the authority to make decisions about governing. Sovereignty may be discussed at the level of a country, while autonomy often means having the freedom to make decisions within a particular area. Independence describes being free from another’s control. In Aotearoa, discussions of sovereignty are complex and may involve different understandings of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tino rangatiratanga, and the Crown’s authority.

Decode the vocabulary

1.In the briefing, what does sovereignty mean?

The power or authority to govern
A promise made between two friends
The right to ignore every law
A system for sharing out money

2.Match the vocabulary words to the most suitable meanings.

Autonomy
Independence
Rights
Jurisdiction

Entitlements or freedoms people are recognised as having
Freedom to make decisions within a particular area
Freedom from another’s control
The area or matters over which an authority has power

3.A local council can make some decisions about its parks, but it must follow national laws. Which word best describes the council’s freedom to make those local decisions?

Autonomy
Independence
Rights
Jurisdiction

4.Which statement uses the vocabulary most accurately?

A country’s sovereignty relates to its governing role.
Autonomy means having no choices at all.
Jurisdiction is another word for a personal opinion.
Rights are rules that only governments can follow.

5.Complete the sentence with the best word: A court can only deal with matters that fall within its .

Use words with care

6.True or false: Autonomy and independence always mean exactly the same thing.

TrueFalse

7.This sentence uses a vocabulary word incorrectly: “The committee autonomyed the budget.” Rewrite it so the meaning is clear and the word is used correctly.

8.A group is discussing whether it should be free from another government’s control. Which word most directly names that idea?

Independence
Jurisdiction
Rights
Autonomy

9.In your own words, explain one difference between sovereignty and autonomy. Use a detail from the briefing or make up a clear example.

10.The briefing says people want a meaningful say in decisions about their river. Choose one vocabulary word that connects to this idea and explain why it fits.