Politics: English Vocabulary List

the state of being a candidate in an election

"Presidential candidacy surprised."

"His presidential candidacy surprised many people in the political circles last month."

related to voting, elections, or the process of choosing representatives through voting mechanisms

"The system is electoral."

"The electoral college system determines the winner of the presidential election in the United States based on votes from each state."

relating to a form of government where the legislature, known as parliament, has significant control over making laws and monitoring the government

"The system is parliamentary."

"The system is parliamentary which means the prime minister is chosen by the legislature."

relating to the United States Congress, which makes laws and oversees the government

"The hearing is congressional."

"The congressional committee held hearings to investigate the scandal and they called several witnesses to testify under oath."

(in the US) a group of people who represent American citizens in all of the states and who formally cast votes to elect the president and vice president

"Electoral college system."

"The electoral college system determines the winner of the presidential election in the United States."

a group of people in a specific area who elect a representative to a legislative position

"The MP worked hard for the people in her constituency."

"A constituency is a body of voters in a specific area who elect a representative to a legislative body."

a vote sent by mail by someone who cannot go to the polling place

"Use absentee ballot."

"Many citizens use absentee ballot to vote when they cannot go to polling stations on election day."

the action of striving to bring about social or political reform, especially as a member of an organization with specific objectives

"Her political activism began during her college years."

"Her dedicated activism focused on environmental protection and sustainable development for her community."

an alliance between two or more countries or between political parties when forming a government or during elections

"A coalition formed government."

"The two smaller parties formed a coalition government to ensure stability and pass key legislation."

a vote in which all the people of a country are asked to decide on one political question

"The referendum results were surprising."

"A referendum is a direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal"

concerning two groups or countries

"The agreement is bilateral."

"The agreement is bilateral and involves only two countries rather than many nations."

a building in Washington DC where the Congress assembles

"State capitol building."

"The state capitol building is where lawmakers meet to discuss and pass new laws every year."

having no interest or involvement in politics

"He is apolitical."

"He is apolitical and does not vote or follow the news about elections and government policies."

the doctrine that separates the state from religious associations

"Secularism is a political principle of separating church and state."

"Secularism is not necessarily atheism; it is a framework for a pluralistic society where multiple different faiths coexist under a neutral"

an economic and political system in which industry, businesses, and properties belong to the private sector rather than the government

"Capitalism is based on private business and free markets for all."

"Laissez-faire capitalism is an economic system where private transactions are free from any form of government intervention or external regulation."

the political belief that promotes personal freedom, democracy, gradual changes in society, and free trade

"Liberalism is a belief in personal freedom and equal rights for everyone."

"Classical liberalism emphasizes free markets and limited government as the foundational principles of a truly free and autonomous society."

the practice or policy of a nation controlling or ruling over foreign territories, often exploiting them economically and politically

"Colonialism had a lasting impact on many countries."

"European colonialism affected many countries around the world historically in both positive and negative ways."

the political practice of only being concerned with one's home country and not getting involved in international affairs

"Strict isolationism policy."

"The country followed a strict isolationism policy and avoided international conflicts for many decades."

a type of politics that purports to represent the opinions and desires of ordinary people in order to gain their support

"Populism appeals to ordinary people's concerns."

"The candidate's populism appealed to working-class voters who felt ignored by wealthy elites and forgotten by the political establishment."

an extreme right-wing political attitude or system characterized by a strong central government, aggressively promoting one's country or race above others, as well as prohibiting any opposition

"Fascism is a system."

"Fascism is an extreme political system that emphasizes nationalism and authoritarian rule, suppressing all opposition."

a political system in which a small group of high-powered people control a country or organization

"An oligarchy is rule by a small group of very rich people."

"An oligarchy is a power structure where a tiny elite clique controls the state"

a social and land-owning system in medieval Europe in which people were granted land and protection by a nobleman in exchange, they had to fight and work for him

"Medieval feudalism system."

"Feudalism structured medieval society with lords granting land in exchange for military service."

(philosophy) the belief that the physical world is either a product of the mind, or is entirely subjective and exists only in the mind

"Idealism sees mind shaping reality."

"Idealism argues that reality is fundamentally shaped by our minds and perceptions."

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"

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 overenthusiastic individual, especially one who is devoted to a radical political or religious cause

"The religious fanatic refused to listen to other views."

"The religious fanatic tried to convert everyone to his own beliefs with great passion."

strong pride in one's country and belief in its importance or superiority

"Nationalism loves your country deeply."

"Extreme nationalism can lead to conflict between countries and discrimination against minority groups."

a political system in which a central government controls the affairs of each self-governed state

"Federalism divides power between governments."

"Federalism is a political concept where two levels of government share sovereignty over the same territory"

a system in which one country controls or has influence over other countries, often by winning wars against them

"The age of imperialism ended after World War II."

"European imperialism expanded influence over many territories during the nineteenth century."

to make an attempt to persuade politicians to agree or disagree with a law being made or changed

"Environmental groups lobby for stricter pollution laws."

"The environmental group plans to lobby the government to pass stricter laws against industrial pollution and waste dumping."

not supporting any political party and remaining neutral in political matters

"The organization is nonpartisan."

"The organization is nonpartisan and does not support any political party or candidate."

an imaginary state or location where everything is perfect

"The philosopher imagined a perfect utopia society"

"The community tried but failed to create a perfect utopia."

the head of government or state in some countries, responsible for leading the executive branch

"The chancellor signed the law."

"The German chancellor addressed the nation regarding the new economic policies."

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"

(of a country, region, etc.) the state of being independent and free from external control

"Regional autonomy increased."

"The region was granted political autonomy allowing it to govern itself without outside interference."

(of countries, organizations, regions, etc.) not governed by another force, and is in control of itself

"The region is autonomous."

"The region is autonomous and has its own government but is still part of the larger country."

the union of organizations, regions, countries, etc. to form a larger organization or government

"Strong federation works."

"The strong federation of states works together for common goals and mutual benefit."

a large gathering of the public, especially those supporting a particular political idea or party

"Political rally held."

"Thousands of supporters attended the political rally to show support for their candidate last weekend."