Government: English Vocabulary List

an economic system where success in business is determined by close relationships between businesspeople and government officials, rather than market competition

"Crony capitalism rewards friends of politicians with special favors."

"Crony capitalism is an economic system where business success depends on close personal relationships with government officials rather than fair competition in a genuinely free market."

a politician who appeals to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people instead of valid arguments in order to gain support

"The demagogue used angry speeches to stir up the large crowd."

"A demagogue is a charismatic political leader who appeals to popular prejudices and makes false promises to gain power"

the governing body of a town or city

"The municipality provides water and trash services to the town."

"A municipality is a single urban administrative division with its own local self-government"

a union or league of political entities or organizations, often for common purposes

"A confederation is a group of states that work together loosely."

"A confederation is an alliance of sovereign states that delegate limited powers to a central authority while retaining their independence"

an understanding or agreement between nations, often informal and less binding than a formal alliance

"The entente between the two countries was signed to keep the peace."

"An entente is a friendly diplomatic understanding between nations that stops short of a formal military alliance"

a form of government in which corrupt leaders use their power to exploit the country's resources for personal gain

"Kleptocracy is a government run by thieves who steal from the people."

"The country became a kleptocracy where government officials stole public funds and became wealthy while most citizens lived in poverty."

a form of government or society in which power is held and influenced primarily by the wealthy or a small privileged class

"A plutocracy is a government controlled by the wealthiest people."

"Critics argue that the nation has become a plutocracy where only the wealthiest citizens have real political power and influence over elections."

the supreme authority of a state or governing body to govern itself without interference from external forces

"The country fought hard to keep its sovereignty and freedom."

"Sovereignty is the supreme political authority of a state to govern itself without external interference"

to enforce a type of payment, such as fees, taxes, or fines and collect them

"The government will levy taxes."

"The government decided to levy a new tax on imported electronics to protect local manufacturers."

to provide financial support, typically from the government or an organization, to help reduce the cost of goods, services, or certain activities

"The government subsidizes public transportation."

"The state uses tax money to subsidize public transportation and keep fares affordable for everyone."

to transfer decision-making or administrative power from a central authority to local or regional entities

"The company decided to decentralize its operations."

"The company plans to decentralize its operations by opening regional offices in several different cities."

to formally approve a decision, action, etc., typically through an official process or legal means

"They will ratify the treaty."

"All member states must ratify the treaty before it can officially take effect."

to place under the authority or jurisdiction of a federal government

"The government plans to federalize airport security."

"The national government decided to federalize all state militias under a single command structure."

the formal ceremony or event during which a monarch or sovereign is officially crowned and invested with regal authority

"The coronation was a grand ceremony."

"A coronation is the formal ceremony where a monarch is crowned and invested with regal authority"

a formal ceremony at which a person is admitted to office

"The inauguration of the new president was a huge event."

"An inauguration is the formal investiture ceremony where a leader is sworn into office"

the speech delivered by a newly elected President of the United States at their swearing-in ceremony, articulating their plans for their term in office

"The president's inaugural speech was inspiring."

"The president's inaugural address outlined his vision for the country over the next four years."

the authority or right to forbid or reject an action, often by a head of state or executive

"The president used his veto to block the new law."

"A veto is the constitutional power of an executive to unilaterally reject a legislative bill"

to officially start or introduce something

"They will inaugurate the building."

"The university plans to inaugurate a new scholarship program to support underprivileged students next semester."

to suspend a legislative session by executive authority without dissolving the assembly

"They prorogue parliament."

"The governor has the authority to prorogue the legislative session until a later date."