Day 3

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable rights" of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." 

（以上黑体字部分为规定背诵段落）

1）in a sense, 就某种意义而言，承上启下句；

2）cash a check，兑现支票，类比兑现承诺；

3）architect, 用建筑师指代（组织的）发起人、奠基人；

4）our republic, our nation,注意文中对“国家”这一概念的各种表达；

5）the Constitution 《宪法》；the Declaration of Independence《独立宣言》；

6）sign a promissory note/default on the promissory note(签发/拖欠工资；

7）as well as，这一词汇is deeply rooted in an American's heart, 提炼句型：“A as well as B"/"not only B but also A"偏重强调A，三项类比则为：A and B as well as C;用yes, as well as和重复的方式，表示强调；

8) obvious, clear, evident;

9) insofar as，在...范围内；

10）this sacred obligation, /'seikrid/,指The Declaration of Independence《独立宣言》；

11）insufficient funds, 本意为ATM机显示余额不足"Sorry, you have insufficient funds available.;支退票盖章NSF=No sufficient funds