In this task, we ask you to rewrite a sentence in simple English without changing its general meaning. Essentially, you want to make the sentence easier to read by using simpler words, utilizing more straightforward sentence structures, and omitting non-essential information etc.

Q: A federation ( also known as a federal state ) is a political entity characterized by a union of partially self-governing provinces , states , or other regions under a central federal government ( federalism ) .

A: A federation is a union of a number of self-governing states or regions , which are joined together under a central government .
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Q: As launch customer , and because of its early involvement before placing a formal order , Pan Am was able to influence the design and development of the 747 to an extent unmatched by a single airline before or since .

A: Since Pan Am was the launch customer , Pan Am had a big say in the design and making of the 747 .
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Q: He was a member of the prominent Kennedy family , and son of actor Peter Lawford and Patricia " Pat " Kennedy Lawford , who was the sister of President John F. Kennedy .

A:
He was the son of actor Peter Lawford and Patricia Kennedy Lawford .
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