The translations adopted for the principal political terms of the new Constitution are indicated in the glossary. In general the purpose has been to adhere as closely to a literal rendering of the German as was compatible with an intelligible English version. Preference has been given throughout the translation to the terminology of republican government as developed in the United States. For a correct understanding of a foreign constitution, no translation can however suffice; the original text with a commentary must be carefully studied by anyone who wishes to obtain a thorough comprehension of such a document. The translators are glad to acknowledge their indebtedness to Professor John A. Walz and Dr. F. W. C. Lieder of the Department of German in Harvard University, and to Dean Roscoe Pound of the Harvard Law School for careful scrutiny of the proofs and many helpful suggestions on difficult passages. W. B. M. A. N. H. January 5, 1920. Glossary. GERMAN TRANSLATION Reich _Commonwealth_ Reichs- _of the Commonwealth, national_ Reichsarbeiterrat _National Workers' Council_ Reichsgericht _National Judicial Court_ Reichskanzler _National Chancellor_ Reichsminister _National Minister_ Reichsministerium, pl.,-ien _National Department_ Reichsprasident _President of the Commonwealth,_ _National President_ Reichsrat _National Council_ Reichsregierung _National Cabinet_ Reichstag _National Assembly_ Reichsverwaltungsgericht _National Administration Court_ Reichswirtschaftsrat _National Economic Council_ Land _State (as integral part of the_ _Commonwealth)_ Landes- _of the State, State_ Landesregierung _State Cabinet_ Landtag _State Assembly_ Wahlprufungsgericht _Electoral Commission_ Staat _country, state (one of the family of nations); referring to Germany, it designates the Commonwealth and separate States as a single political entity._ Staatsgerichtshof _Supreme Judicial Court_ staatlich _political_ freistaatlich _republican_ The Constitution of the German Commonwealth _PREAMBLE_