ENGLISH VOCABULARY
POLITICAL VOCABULARY
English vocabulary relating to politics and political discussions, for learners.
The list of words below is designed to help learners understand the language used in politics.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ballot Ballot paper Ballot box |
A system of voting, especially secret.
To vote by ballot. Paper or card marked by a person who votes. A box in which voters deposit their market ballots. |
| Bill | Draft of a proposed law to be discussed in parliament where it will be amended, passed or thrown out. |
| Bipartisan | Involving two political parties. |
| Campaign | Planned activities in an organised effort to win an election. |
| Coalition | Alliance of two or more political parties, usually to form a government. |
| Constitution | A statement of the fundamental principles and laws by which a country or state is governed. |
| Coup d'etat | Sudden, often violent, change of government when a group, such as the military, takes control. |
| Democracy | A form of government where elections are held and people vote for the candidate of their choice to represent them. |
| Dictatorship | A form of government in which a single individual, who has often seized power by force, exercises political authority using arbitrary and oppressive methods. |
| Dissolution | The termination of the current parliament, which takes place before a general election. |
| Election | The process of voting for a candidate or representative. |
| Electorate | All the people who can vote in an election. |
| Gerrymander Gerrymandering |
Rearrange the voting districts in order to ensure more votes for the party in power. |
| Government | A political body that exercises authority over a nation or state and has the power to make and enforce laws. |
| Grass roots | Ordinary people in a society, as opposed to those who are in power. |
| Hustings | The political activities, meetings and speeches that happen before an election. |
| Incumbent | Person currently holding an official position. |
| Landslide victory | Win an election with a large majority of votes. |
| Law | A rule or regulation established by the government. |
| Lobby Lobbying |
Group of people who try to influence an elected official, or the act of doing so, generally to support or oppose proposed legislation. |
| Monarchy | System of government in which the head of state is a king or a queen. |
| Nominee | Person chosen by a political party to run for election. |
| Opposition | Political party or parties opposing the government. |
| Policy | Political party or parties opposing the government. |
| Political asylum | Protection given by a State to a person who has left their own country because they oppose its government. |
| Political party | A political organisation with stated beliefs, aims and policies, that puts forward candidates in elections. |
| Politician | Person who has been elected and works professionally in politics. |
| Politics | The ideas and activities associated with the governing of a country, region, city, etc. |
| Poll | 1) Voting at an election. 2) A survey of public opinion by questioning a selection of people. |
| Polling day | The day on which elections are held. |
| (The) polls Polling station |
Place where people vote. |
| Prime Minister | The head of the government in a parliamentary political system. |
| Regime | System of government: a communist, fascist, etc. regime. |
| Republic | System of government in which power is held by elected representatives and an elected president. |
| Run for election | Be a candidate in an election. |
| Spin doctor | A spokesperson who gives a favourable interpretation of events to the media, especially on behalf of a political personality or party. |
| Turnout | The number of people who go to vote in an election. |
| Vote | Choose a candidate in an election. |