Government — English Vocabulary
40 essential words about government in the live bank, with meanings and examples. Open any word for its full page.
ballot /ˈbælət/ noun C1
The paper or electronic form used to vote in an election; the process of voting, especially secretly.
Example: Mark your ballot carefully.
elect /ɪˈlekt/ verb C1
To choose a person for a public office by voting.
Example: Citizens elect a new mayor this year.
referendum /ˌrefəˈrendəm/ noun C1
A vote in which all the citizens of a country or state decide directly on a particular question or law.
Example: The state held a referendum on the tax.
coalition /ˌkəʊəˈlɪʃən/ noun C1
A group of political parties or organizations that join together to govern or to achieve a goal.
Example: The parties formed a coalition government.
cabinet /ˈkæbɪnət/ noun C1
The group of senior ministers or officials who advise a president or prime minister and lead government departments; also a cupboard with shelves for storage.
Example: The president met his cabinet.
minister /ˈmɪnɪstər/ noun C1
A senior member of a government who leads a department (like health or education); also a religious leader in some churches.
Example: The health minister announced new clinics.
senate /ˈsenət/ noun C1
The smaller, more senior of the two law-making groups in the US and some other countries; members are senators.
Example: The Senate passed the bill.
legislature /ˈledʒɪsleɪtʃər/ noun C1
The group of people with the power to make and change laws in a country or state.
Example: The state legislature raised the gas tax.
poll /pəʊl/ noun / verb C1
A survey asking people's opinions, especially before an election; the process of voting, or the place where votes are cast.
Example: The latest poll shows a close race.
term /tɜːrm/ noun C1
A fixed period of time in which someone holds an office or studies; also a word or expression with a special meaning, especially in a subject.
Example: The president serves a four-year term.
policy /ˈpɒləsi/ noun C1
A plan of action or a set of rules agreed by a government, company, or organization.
Example: The new health policy covers mental care.
campaign /kæmˈpeɪn/ noun / verb C1
An organized series of actions to achieve a goal, especially winning an election or changing public opinion.
Example: Her campaign promised cheaper healthcare.
reform /rɪˈfɔːrm/ noun / verb C1
A change made to improve a system, law, or organization; to make such a change.
Example: Education reform is the governor's main promise.
administration /ədˌmɪnɪˈstreɪʃən/ noun C1
The government of a country during the time a particular president or leader is in power; also the management of an organization.
Example: The administration announced new climate rules.
authority /ɔːˈθɒrəti/ noun C1
The official power to make decisions and control people; also an expert source of knowledge.
Example: Only the court has the authority to change the ruling.
democracy /dɪˈmɒkrəsi/ noun C1
A system of government where citizens choose their leaders by voting in free elections.
Example: Democracy depends on free and honest elections.
institution /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən/ noun C1
A large organization with a public purpose, such as a bank, university, or hospital; also an established custom.
Example: The university is a respected institution.
opposition /ˌɒpəˈzɪʃən/ noun C1
People, parties, or actions that disagree with and try to stop a government, plan, or idea.
Example: The plan faced strong opposition from farmers.
congress /ˈkɒŋɡres/ noun C1
The law-making body of the United States, made of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Example: Congress passed the new budget bill.
constitution /ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃən/ noun C1
The set of basic laws and principles that defines how a country is governed.
Example: The US Constitution was written in 1787.
republic /rɪˈpʌblɪk/ noun C1
A country whose head of state is an elected president, not a king or queen; government by elected representatives of the people.
Example: The United States is a republic.
parliament /ˈpɑːrləmənt/ noun C1
The group of elected people who make and change a country's laws, in many countries outside the US system.
Example: Parliament voted on the new law.
diplomacy /dɪˈpləʊməsi/ noun C1
The activity of managing relations between countries through discussion and negotiation; also skill in handling people tactfully.
Example: Diplomacy prevented the war.
treaty /ˈtriːti/ noun C1
A formal written agreement between two or more countries, about peace, trade, or cooperation.
Example: The two nations signed a peace treaty.
summit /ˈsʌmɪt/ noun C1
A meeting between the leaders of two or more countries to discuss important matters; also the top of a mountain.
Example: The climate summit brought 100 leaders together.
ambassador /æmˈbæsədər/ noun C1
The most important official representing a country in a foreign country; also a person who represents an idea or organization.
Example: The ambassador met the president today.
embassy /ˈembəsi/ noun C1
The building where an ambassador and their staff work in a foreign country; also the group itself.
Example: Apply for the visa at the embassy.
alliance /əˈlaɪəns/ noun C1
An agreement between countries or groups to work together and support each other, especially in defense or politics.
Example: The two nations formed an alliance.
sanction /ˈsæŋkʃən/ noun C1
An official punishment or restriction placed on a country to force it to obey international law; (also, formal) official permission or approval.
Example: The UN placed sanctions on the regime.
sovereignty /ˈsɒvrənti/ noun C1
The power of a country to govern itself independently, without control by another country.
Example: The treaty respects each nation's sovereignty.
veto /ˈviːtəʊ/ noun / verb C1
The official power of a president or leader to refuse to accept a law passed by the legislature; to use this power.
Example: The president used his veto.
appoint /əˈpɔɪnt/ verb C1
To choose a person officially for a job or position of responsibility.
Example: The board appointed a new director.
nominate /ˈnɒmɪneɪt/ verb C1
To officially suggest a person as a candidate for a position, job, or prize; to name someone for election or an award.
Example: The party nominated her for president.
petition /pəˈtɪʃən/ noun / verb C1
A formal written request, signed by many people, asking a government or authority to do or change something; to make such a request.
Example: Ten thousand people signed the petition.
march /mɑːrtʃ/ verb / noun C1
To walk in a large organized group through streets to protest or support something publicly; the event itself. Also soldiers' walking, and the month March.
Example: Thousands marched for change.
resign /rɪˈzaɪn/ verb C1
To officially leave a job or position by your own decision, usually by writing a letter.
Example: The minister resigned after the scandal.
impeach /ɪmˈpiːtʃ/ verb C1
To formally accuse a public official (especially a president) of serious wrongdoing, starting a process that can remove them from office.
Example: Congress voted to impeach the president.
endorse /ɪnˈdɔːrs/ verb C1
To publicly support a person, product, or idea and say you approve of them; also to sign the back of a check.
Example: The union endorsed her for mayor.
abolish /əˈbɒlɪʃ/ verb C1
To officially end a law, system, or practice completely.
Example: The country abolished the old tax.
ratify /ˈrætɪfaɪ/ verb C1
To make an agreement or treaty official by formally accepting and signing it, usually by a legislature's vote.
Example: The Senate ratified the treaty.