vocabulary development - key terms and definitions of governmental terms - JSS2 English language Lesson Note

Vocabulary Development: Government and Politics

Understanding the vocabulary related to government and politics is crucial for comprehending current events, engaging in civic discussions, and participating in political activities. Here is an organised set of notes to help with vocabulary development in this area.

Key Terms and Definitions

 

Government Structures and Types

1. Democracy: A system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting.

  - Example: The United States is a democracy where people vote for their leaders.

 

2. Republic: A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives.

   - Example: In a republic, the head of state is an elected or nominated president, not a monarch.

 

3. Monarchy: A form of government with a monarch at the head.

   - Example: The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy with a royal family.

 

4. Dictatorship: A government controlled by one person or a small group of people.

   - Example: North Korea is often described as a dictatorship.

 

5. Federalism: A system in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

   - Example: The United States practices federalism, with power shared between the federal and state governments.

 

6. Parliamentary System: A system of government in which the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature (parliament).

   - Example: The Prime Minister of Canada is the head of government in a parliamentary system.

 

Political Ideologies

1. Liberalism: A political ideology that emphasizes individual freedoms, democracy, and the protection of human rights.

  - Example: Liberalism advocates for social equality and government intervention in the economy to protect citizens.

2. Conservatism: A political ideology that promotes retaining traditional social institutions.

  - Example: Conservatism often supports a free market economy and limited government intervention.

3. Socialism: A political and economic theory advocating for social ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods.

  - Example: In socialism, the government may control key industries to ensure equality.

4. Communism: A political theory derived from Karl Marx, advocating for a classless society and the abolition of private property.

  - Example: Communism aims for all property to be owned by the community as a whole.

5. Anarchism: A political ideology that advocates self-governed societies based on voluntary institutions.

   - Example: Anarchism opposes all forms of hierarchical authority.

 

Government Functions and Processes

1. Legislation: The process of making or enacting laws.

  - Example: The parliament passed new legislation on healthcare.

 

2. Executive: The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

  - Example: The executive branch is led by the president.

 

3. Judiciary: The branch of government that interprets laws and administers justice.

  - Example: The judiciary reviews the constitutionality of laws.

 

4. Bureaucracy: A system of government in which most decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

  - Example: The bureaucracy handles the day-to-day administration of government policies.

 

5. Elections: The process by which citizens vote to choose their leaders or decide on issues.

  - Example: National elections are held every four years in the United States.

 

Political Activities and Terms

 

1. Campaign: An organised effort to influence the decision-making process within a specific group.

  - Example: The candidate launched a campaign to win the support of voters.

 

2. Lobbying: Seeking to influence a politician or public official on an issue.

  - Example: Environmental groups are lobbying for stricter pollution controls.

 

3. Referendum: A direct vote by the electorate on a particular proposal or issue.

  - Example: The government held a referendum on the proposed changes to the constitution.

 

4. Constituency: A body of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body.

  - Example: Each member of parliament represents a constituency.

 

5. Impeachment: The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official.

  - Example: The president faced impeachment for alleged misconduct.