Politics: English Vocabulary List

a form of government where the power is vested in the hands of the people, either directly or through elected representatives

"Democracy gives power to the people."

"In a democracy citizens have the power to choose their leaders through free and fair elections."

a system of governing that is authoritarian and usually not selected in a fair election

"The regime was harsh."

"The oppressive regime maintained power through strict censorship and the suppression of all dissent."

the main political party opposed to the government

"The opposition criticized the plan."

"The leader of the opposition party vowed to challenge the government's proposed tax increases vigorously."

a document listing the options or candidates used in voting

"The citizens cast their ballot on election day."

"Citizens cast their ballot at polling stations on election day to vote for their preferred candidates."

an economic system in which the state owns and manages major resources, industries, or capital

"Socialism is a system where the state owns the big industries."

"Democratic socialism advocates for political democracy alongside social ownership of the means of production within a regulated market economy."

a rule made by the government, an authority, etc. to control or govern something within a particular area

"The new regulation affects all drivers."

"The new safety regulations require all construction workers to wear hard hats and protective boots."

a separate part of a legal document that requires or talks about something specific

"There is a penalty clause in the contract for late payment."

"A non-compete clause is a contractual term restricting an employee from working for a direct competitor for a specified period."

to officially cancel or withdraw something, such as a law, a decision, a license, or a privilege

"The government revoked his driver's license."

"The government threatened to revoke the company's operating license if it did not stop polluting the river with toxic waste immediately."

to control or adjust something in a way that agrees with rules and regulations

"Agencies regulate food and drug safety."

"The government agency was created to regulate the pharmaceutical industry and ensure that all new drugs are safe for public use."

to approve a proposed law

"Parliament will enact the new law."

"The parliament voted to enact the new education reform bill which will change the way that schools teach math and science subjects."