English Vocabulary for learners
POLITICAL VOCABULARY
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. |