詹姆斯·諾克斯·波爾克，美國第11任總統(tǒng)，在1844年民主黨大會出現(xiàn)僵局時，他被提名為折衷候選人，被視為總統(tǒng)大選中的第一匹“黑馬”。他49歲時當(dāng)選，是當(dāng)時最年輕的總統(tǒng)。他能力出眾，在處理國會事務(wù)方面游刃有余。

Without solicitation on my part, I have been chosen by the free and voluntary suffrages of my countrymen to the most honorable, and most responsible office on earth.
我沒有乞求選票，但自由的同胞們卻選舉我，來擔(dān)任這世界上最具榮譽，且責(zé)任最重大的職位。

I am deeply impressed with gratitude for the confidence reposed in me.
于人民對我的信心，我深感謝意。

Honored with his distinguished consideration at an earlier period of life than any of my predecessors, I can not disguise the diffidence with which I am about to enter on the discharge of my official duties.
與任一被賜予這一榮譽的前任相比我都更年輕，我不能掩飾我將要進入執(zhí)行我的職責(zé)時信心的缺乏。

In assuming responsibilities so vast I fervently invoke the aid of that Almighty Ruler of the Universe in whose hands are the destinies of nations, and of men to guard this Heaven favored land against the mischiefs which without His guidance might arise from an unwise public policy.
在承擔(dān)如此巨大的責(zé)任時，我熱情地祈求宇宙全能之主的幫助。國家和人民的命運在他的手中，守衛(wèi)著這天主恩惠的土地而不受由錯誤公共政策引起的危害。

With a firm reliance upon the wisdom of Omnipotence to sustain and direct me in the path of duty which I am appointed to pursue, I stand in the presence of this assembled multitude of my countrymen to take upon myself the solemn obligation" to take best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
因憑那支持并指引我走上這條行使我應(yīng)盡之責(zé)道路的全能上帝賜予的堅定信心，我站在我的同胞們的宏大集會前，來自己擔(dān)起這莊嚴(yán)的責(zé)任：“愿傾盡全力來維持，保護和捍衛(wèi)美國的憲法?！?/div>

That the blessing of liberty which our Constitution secures may be enjoyed alike by minorities and majorities, the Executive has been wisely invested with a qualified veto upon the acts of the Legislature.
我們憲法所保證的自由同樣為少數(shù)人和多數(shù)人享有，執(zhí)政者被明智地賦予有資格對某些立法作出否決。

It is a negative power, and is conservative in its character.
這是一個否定的權(quán)力，并帶有保守的特點。

It arrests for the time hasty, in considerate, or unconstitutional legislation, invites reconsideration, and transfers questions at issue between the legislative and executive departments to the tribunal of the people.
它為時代阻止那些草率，無謀和違反憲法的立法，征求重新考慮，并把立法與行政部門之間的問題轉(zhuǎn)給人民裁定。

Like all other powers, it is subject to be abused.
如同其它權(quán)力，它可能會被濫用。

When judiciously and properly exercised, the Constitution itself may be saved from infraction and the rights of all preserved and protected.
當(dāng)明智而又正當(dāng)?shù)匦惺箷r，憲法本身會免受侵犯，而全民權(quán)利會得到維護。

The inestimable value of our Federal Union is felt and acknowledged by all.
我們聯(lián)邦聯(lián)盟的不可估量的價值為眾人所感受和認(rèn)可。

By this system of united and confederated States our people are permitted collectively and individually to seek their own happiness in their own way, and the consequences have been most auspicious.
通過聯(lián)合結(jié)盟的眾洲體制，我們?nèi)嗣窨梢约w或單獨地以自己的方式追求自己的幸福，并且有很樂觀的結(jié)果。

Since the Union was formed the number of the States has increased from thirteen to twenty-eight, two of these have taken their position as members of the Confederacy within the last week.
自從聯(lián)邦創(chuàng)立，眾洲的數(shù)目由十三個發(fā)展到三十八個；其中兩個上周才取得聯(lián)邦的席位。

Our population has increased from three to twenty millions.
我們的人口也已由三百萬發(fā)展到兩千八百萬。