Politics and Government (Extended)

Politics and Government Vocabulary: Word List and Examples Learn B2-level vocabulary for discussing political systems, elections, and government processes. Word List democracy, dictatorship, monarchy, republic, legislation (laws), parliament, congress, constituency (an electoral district), candidate, campaign, ballot (voting paper), electorate (all eligible voters), referendum (a public vote on one issue), coalition (parties governing together), cabinet (senior ministers), opposition (parties not in power), bill (proposed law), amendment (a change to a law), veto (block a decision), sanction (a penalty against a country), diplomacy, treaty, summit (a high-level meeting), embassy, ambassador, sovereignty (independent authority), autonomy (self-governance), corruption, lobbying (influencing lawmakers), activism, civil rights, welfare state, taxation, subsidy (government financial support), nationalize (bring under state control), privatize (transfer to private ownership), coup (illegal seizure of power), regime, exile, censure (formal criticism). Examples: The government proposed new legislation to reduce emissions. Voters go to the polls to cast their ballot in the referendum. The two parties formed a coalition after neither won a majority. The president used his veto to block the bill. Remember: «nationalize» (government takes over) and «privatize» (government sells to private companies) are direct opposites — a common contrast in political and economic debates.