Talking about Politics: English Vocabulary List

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"

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 set of beliefs or principles that guide a community or nation

"His ideology influenced many people."

"An ideology is a system of ideas and ideals that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy"

someone who attempts to persuade politicians to agree or disagree with a law being made or changed

"The lobbyist met with senators."

"A lobbyist is a person who is paid to persuade legislators and government officials to support laws and policies favorable to their employer's specific interests."

a system of government or a country or state that is ruled by a king or queen

"The monarchy has a queen."

"An absolute monarchy is a form of government where a single ruler"

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."

arguments and disagreements between small groups of people within a political party or an organization

"Faction caused division."

"Internal factional disputes weakened the party's ability to present a united front during the election campaign."

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."

information and statements that are mostly biased and false and are used to promote a political cause or leader

"The posters were propaganda to make people support the war effort."

"Propaganda is biased or misleading information spread to promote a particular political cause or damage an opposing cause."

to refuse to buy, use, or participate in something as a way to show disapproval or to try to bring about a change

"Customers boycotted the unfair company."

"Many consumers decided to boycott the brand after discovering that the company used child labor in its factories overseas."

an official order according to which any commercial activity with a particular country is banned

"The UN imposed a trade embargo on that country for breaking rules."

"The government lifted the embargo after the country agreed to follow international trade regulations."

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 feeling of love or devotion toward one's country, its values, culture, history, and interests

"Patriotism is strong here."

"During times of national crisis, patriotism often inspires citizens to work together for the common good."

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."

a political system in which the government controls all industry, every citizen is equally treated, and private ownership does not exist

"Communism has its critics."

"The historical implementation of communism in several nations led to widespread economic challenges and political repression."

to create or bring laws into effect through a formal process

"Congress will legislate new environmental laws."

"Congress has the power to legislate new laws regarding taxation interstate commerce and national defense as outlined in the constitution."

to strongly criticize in an official manner

"The committee voted to censure the senator."

"The committee voted to censure the senator for violating ethical standards and abusing his position."

a political belief with an inclination to keep the traditional values in a society by avoiding changes

"Conservatism is about keeping old traditions and not changing things too fast."

"His conservatism influenced his opposition to rapid social reforms in the education system."

to make something lawful, acceptable, or valid

"The court legitimatized their marriage."

"The new president tried to legitimatize his controversial policies by claiming that they were supported by the majority of citizens in the country."