Politics

Lesson 6

Domestic

Title: Domestic

Pronunciation: /dəˈmes.tɪk/

Part of speech: Adjective

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: do-MES-tic

Synonym: Household, familial, national

Opposite: Foreign, international, public

 

Relating to the home or family; of or within a country

She spent the weekend doing domestic chores like cleaning and laundry

Relating to the home or family; of or within a country

Federal

Title: Federal

Pronunciation: /ˈfed.ər.əl/

Part of speech: Adjective

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: FED-er-al

Synonym: National, central, governmental

Opposite: Local, state, provincial

 

Relating to a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority

The federal government has certain powers that are reserved for the states

Relating to a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority

Independent

Title: Independent

Pronunciation:  /ˌɪn.dɪˈpen.dənt/

Part of speech: Adjective

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: in-de-PEN-dent

Synonym: Self-sufficient, autonomous, free

Opposite: Dependent, reliant, submissive

 

Not influenced or controlled by others; not relying on others for financial support

She started her own independent business after working for a large corporation for many years

Not influenced or controlled by others; not relying on others for financial support

Official

Title: Official

Pronunciation: /əˈfɪʃ.əl/

Part of speech: Adjective

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: o-FISH-uhl

Synonym: Formal, authorized, legitimate

Opposite: Unofficial, unauthorized, illegitimate

Relating to an authority or public body and its duties, actions, and responsibilities

The official statement from the government clarified the new policy

Relating to an authority or public body and its duties, actions, and responsibilities

Presidential

Title: Presidential

Pronunciation: /ˌprez.ɪˈden.ʃəl/

Part of speech: Adjective

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: pre-zi-DEN-shuhl

Synonym: Executive, governmental, administrative

 

Relating to the president or presidency; characteristic of a president or presidency

The presidential election is held every four years in the United States

Relating to the president or presidency; characteristic of a president or presidency

Revolution

Title: Revolution

Pronunciation: /ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən/

Part of speech: Noun

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: re-vo-LU-tion

Synonym: Uprising, rebellion, transformation

Opposite: Stability, status quo, conservatism

 

A sudden and significant change in a system or situation; a complete overthrow of a government

The Industrial Revolution brought about major changes in the way goods were produced and consumed

A sudden and significant change in a system or situation; a complete overthrow of a government

Congress

Title: Congress

Pronunciation:  /ˈkɒŋ.ɡres/

Part of speech: Noun

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: CON-gress

Synonym: Assembly, convention, parliament

 

A formal meeting or assembly of representatives for the discussion, debate, and enactment of laws

The congress passed a new bill to increase funding for education

A formal meeting or assembly of representatives for the discussion, debate, and enactment of laws

Conservative

Title: Conservative

Pronunciation: /kənˈsɜː.və.tɪv/

Part of speech: Adjective

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: con-SER-va-tive

Synonym: Traditional, cautious, reactionary

Opposite: Progressive, liberal, radical

Holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautious about change or innovation

He has always been a conservative voter, preferring candidates who support lower taxes and smaller government

Holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautious about change or innovation

Democrat

Title: Democrat

Pronunciation: /ˈdem.ə.kræt/

Part of speech: Noun

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: DEM-o-crat

Synonym: Liberal, progressive, democratist

Opposite: Republican, conservative, monarchist

 

A member or supporter of the Democratic Party; a person who believes in

She has always been a registered Democrat and votes in every election

A member or supporter of the Democratic Party; a person who believes in

To debate

Title: To debate

Pronunciation: /dɪˈbeɪt/

Part of speech: Verb

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: de-BATE

Synonym: Discuss, argue, dispute

Opposite: Agree, concede, accept

 

To discuss or argue a topic in a formal setting; to consider or examine a question

The candidates will debate each other on live television next week

To discuss or argue a topic in a formal setting; to consider or examine a question

Government

Title: Government

Pronunciation:  /ˈɡʌv.ən.mənt/

Part of speech: Noun

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: GOV-ern-ment

Synonym: Administration, regime, authority

Opposite: Anarchy, lawlessness, disorder

 

The system by which a state or community is governed; the governing body of a nation, state

The government has announced new measures to combat climate change

The system by which a state or community is governed; the governing body of a nation, state

Dictatorship

Title: Dictatorship

Pronunciation:  /dɪkˈteɪ.tə.ʃɪp/

Part of speech: Noun

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: dik-TAY-ter-ship

Synonym: Autocracy, tyranny, despotism

Opposite: Democracy, republic, self-rule

 

A form of government in which absolute power is held by a single ruler or small group

The country was ruled by a dictatorship for over three decades before transitioning to a democracy

A form of government in which absolute power is held by a single ruler or small group

Kingdom

Title: Kingdom

Pronunciation:  /ˈkɪŋ.dəm/ 

Part of speech: Noun

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: KING-dom

Synonym: Monarchy, principality, realm

Opposite: Republic, democracy, anarchy

 

A country or state ruled by a monarch; a realm or domain

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state

A country or state ruled by a monarch; a realm or domain

Monarchy

Title: Monarchy

Pronunciation: /ˈmɒn.ə.ki/

Part of speech: Noun

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: MON-ar-chy

Synonym: Kingdom, principality, realm

Opposite: Republic, democracy, anarchy

 

A form of government in which supreme power is held by a single person, usually a king or queen

The monarchy was abolished after a revolution overthrew the previous king

A form of government in which supreme power is held by a single person, usually a king or queen

Nation

Title: Nation

Pronunciation: /ˈneɪ.ʃən/

Part of speech: Noun

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: NA-tion

Synonym: Country, state, people

 

A large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language; a sovereign state

The nation celebrated its independence with parades and fireworks

A large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language; a sovereign state

To plot

Title: To plot

Pronunciation: /plɒt/

Part of speech: Verb

Formal or informal: Both

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Synonym: Scheme, plan, conspire

 

To make a plan or scheme; to secretly plan to do something harmful or illegal

The group of rebels plotted to overthrow the government

To make a plan or scheme; to secretly plan to do something harmful or illegal

state

Title: state

Pronunciation: /steɪt/

Part of speech: noun/verb

Irregular spelling and irregular forms (noun): Plural form is “states”

Irregular spelling and irregular forms (verb): Past tense “stated”

Formal or informal (noun): Can be both formal and informal

Formal or informal (verb): Can be both formal and informal

Countable or uncountable (noun): Countable

Countable or uncountable (verb): Transitive

Transitive or intransitive (verb): Transitive

Synonym (noun): nation

Synonym (verb): declare

Opposite (noun): chaos

Opposite (verb): retract

 

(noun): a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government

(noun): The United States is a sovereign state

(noun): a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government

Majority

Title: Majority

Pronunciation: /məˈdʒɒrɪti/

Part of speech: noun

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: Plural form is “majorities”

Formal or informal: Can be both formal and informal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Synonym: most

Opposite: minority

 

The greater number or part; a number larger than half of the total

The majority of voters supported the new policy

The greater number or part; a number larger than half of the total

Minister

Title: Minister

Pronunciation: /ˈmɪnɪstə(r)/

Part of speech: noun/verb

Irregular spelling and irregular forms (noun): Plural form is “ministers”

Irregular spelling and irregular forms (verb): Past tense “ministered”

Formal or informal (noun): Can be both formal and informal

Formal or informal (verb): Can be both formal and informal

Countable or uncountable (noun): Countable

Countable or uncountable (verb): Transitive

Transitive or intransitive (verb): Transitive

Synonym (noun): clergyman

Synonym (verb): care for

Opposite (noun): layperson

Opposite (verb): neglect

a member of the clergy, especially in Protestant churches; a head of a government department

(noun): The Prime Minister appointed a new health minister

a member of the clergy, especially in Protestant churches; a head of a government department

(verb): attend to the needs of someone

(verb): The nurse ministered to the wounded soldier

Secretary

Title: Secretary

Pronunciation: /ˈsekrətri/

Part of speech: noun/adjective

Irregular spelling and irregular forms (noun): Plural form is “secretaries”

Formal or informal (noun): Can be both formal and informal

Formal or informal (adjective): Can be both formal and informal

Countable or uncountable (noun): Countable

Synonym (noun): assistant

Opposite (noun): boss

  

 

(adjective): used in names of animals and plants, especially as the second part of a binomial name

(noun): The secretary scheduled a meeting for next week/(adjective): The secretary bird is known for its distinctive crest

(adjective): used in names of animals and plants, especially as the second part of a binomial name

spokesperson

Title: spokesperson

Pronunciation: /ˈspəʊksper.sən/

Part of speech: noun

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: Plural form is “spokespeople”

Formal or informal: Can be both formal and informal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Synonym: representative

Opposite: listener

 

a person who speaks on behalf of another person, group, or organization

The company’s spokesperson issued a statement regarding the recent controversy

a person who speaks on behalf of another person, group, or organization

Negotiation

Title: Negotiation

Pronunciation : /nɪˌɡəʊʃiˈeɪʃ(ə)n/ 

Part of speech : noun 

Irregular spelling and irregular forms : Plural form is “negotiations” 

Formal or informal : Can be both formal and informal 

Countable or uncountable : Countable 

Synonym : discussion 

Opposite : disagreement 

 

Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement

The negotiation process was long and arduous

Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement

Opposition

Title: Opposition

Pronunciation : /ˌɒpəˈzɪʃ(ə)n/ 

Part of speech : noun 

Irregular spelling and irregular forms : Plural form is “oppositions” 

Formal or informal : Can be both formal and informal 

Countable or uncountable : Countable 

Synonym : resistance 

Opposite : support 

 

Resistance; dissent

The opposition to the new law was strong

Resistance; dissent

Policy

Title: Policy

Pronunciation: /ˈpɒlɪsi/ 

Part of speech : noun 

Irregular spelling and irregular forms : Plural form is “policies” 

Formal or informal : Can be both formal and informal 

Countable or uncountable : Countable 

Synonym : plan 

Opposite : disorder 

 

a course or principle of action adopted by a government, party, business, or individual

The company implemented a new policy regarding remote work

a course or principle of action adopted by a government, party, business, or individual

Voting

Title: Voting

Pronunciation : /ˈvəʊtɪŋ/ 

Part of speech : noun/adjective 

Formal or informal (noun) : Can be both formal and informal   

Formal or informal (adjective) : Can be both formal and informal   

Synonym (noun) : balloting    

Synonym (adjective) : electoral   

Opposite (noun) : abstention   

Opposite (adjective) : non-electoral  

 

(noun) : the action of expressing a choice or opinion

(noun) : Voting is a fundamental right in a democracy

(noun) : the action of expressing a choice or opinion

(adjective) : relating to the process of expressing a choice through voting

(adjective) : The voting process was smooth and efficient

Territory

Title: Territory

Pronunciation : /ˈterət(ə)ri/  

Part of speech : noun  

Irregular spelling and irregular forms : Plural form is “territories”  

Formal or informal : Can be both formal and informal  

Countable or uncountable : Countable 

Synonym : land  

Opposite : airspace  

 

an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state

The country expanded its territory through conquest

an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state

conspiracy

Title: conspiracy

Pronunciation : /kənˈspɪrəsi/  

Part of speech : noun  

Irregular spelling and irregular forms : Plural form is “conspiracies”  

Formal or informal : Can be both formal and informal  

Countable or uncountable : Countable  

Stress marks : kənˈspɪrəsi  

Synonym : plot  

Opposite : transparency  

 

A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful

The conspiracy to overthrow the government was foiled by authorities

A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful

Crackdown

Title: Crackdown

Pronunciation : /ˈkrakdaʊn/  

Part of speech : noun  

Formal or informal: Can be both formal and informal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Stress marks: ˈkrakdaʊn

Synonym: suppression

Opposite: leniency

 

severe measures to restrict or discourage undesirable or illegal people or behavior

The government initiated a crackdown on organized crime

severe measures to restrict or discourage undesirable or illegal people or behavior

Repression

Title: Repression

Pronunciation: /rɪˈprɛʃ(ə)n/

   Part of speech: noun/adjective   

   Formal or informal(noun):Can be both formal and informal    

   Formal or informal(adjective):Can be both formal and informal    

   Countable or uncountable(noun):Uncountable    

   Countable or uncountable(adjective):Countable    

   Stress marks(noun):rɪˈprɛʃ(ə)n    

   Synonym(noun):suppression    

   Synonym(adjective):repressive    

   Opposite(noun):liberation    

   Opposite(adjective):liberating

 

(noun):the action of subduing someone by force; the restraint, prevention

The government’s repression led to widespread protests

(noun):the action of subduing someone by force; the restraint, prevention

(adjective):relating to the prevention of freedom of thought, expression, etc

(adjective):The repression policies were heavily criticized by human rights organizations