Dash Dash The dash is a punctuation mark that is similar in appearance to and , but differs from these symbols in both length and height. The most common versions of the dash are the en dash (–), equal to half the height of the font; the em dash (—), twice as long as the en dash; and the horizontal bar (―), whose length varies across typefaces. Historically, the names of en dash and em dash were loosely related to the width of a lower-case "n" and upper-case "M", respectively, in commonly used typefaces. Usage varies both within English and in
Rule by decree is the sign of a "generalization of the state of exception". Rule by decree Rule by decree is a style of governance allowing quick, unchallenged creation of law by a single person or group, and is used primarily by dictators, absolute monarchs and military leaders. The expression is also sometimes used when describing actions of democratic governments that are perceived to unduly bypass parliamentarian or popular scrutiny. Rule by decree allows the ruler to arbitrarily create law, without approval by a legislative assembly. When states of emergency such as martial law are in place, rule by decree is common. While