The United States Constitution has been a notable model for governance around the world. Its international influence is found in similarities of phrasing and borrowed passages in other constitutions, as well as in the principles of the rule of law, separation of powers and recognition of individual rights.
flat afÂ·fect. 1  absence of or diminution in the amount of emotional tone or outward emotional reaction typically shown by oneself or others under similar circumstances; a milder form is termed blunted affect.
Blunted affect may be a symptom of depression. When a person fails to display emotion in a culturally-appropriate way, it is referred to as a blunted affect. Childhood trauma may produce a blunted affect in some individuals. An individual who shows blunted affect may be suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome.