Talking about 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"

a person or group of people who are often employed by politicians, public figures, or the government in order to shape the public opinion in their favor

"The spin doctor tried to make the scandal sound less harmful."

"The politician hired a spin doctor to help the public view a scandal as a minor mistake rather than a serious character flaw."

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."

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 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 transfer or delegate responsibility, authority, or a specific matter to a particular individual, group, or entity

"Responsibility devolves on her."

"The responsibility for garbage collection will devolve on the local municipal government next year."

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."

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 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."

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 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."