Society & Government

20 words

1. 1

   political polarizationnoun phrase/ˌpɒlɪtɪk(ə)l ˌpɒləraɪˈzeɪʃən/

   A situation in which opinions in a society move to opposing extremes and compromise becomes difficult.

   “Rising political polarization has made bipartisan legislation almost impossible.”

2. 2

   judicial independencenoun phrase/dʒuːˈdɪʃəl ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns/

   Courts and judges operating without improper influence from the government or other powers.

   “A free press and judicial independence are both vital for a functioning democracy.”

3. 3

   policy-making processnoun phrase/ˈpɒlɪsiˌmeɪkɪŋ ˈprəʊsɛs/

   The sequence of steps through which governments or institutions develop, debate, and implement public policy.

   “Understanding the policy-making process helps citizens hold officials accountable.”

4. 4

   judicial reviewnoun phrase/dʒuːˈdɪʃəl rɪˈvjuː/

   A legal process where a court examines whether a law or government action is constitutional.

   “The Supreme Court launched a judicial review of the emergency law.”

5. 5

   constitutional amendmentnoun phrase/ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃənəl əˈmɛndmənt/

   An official change or addition made to a country's constitution.

   “Debating a constitutional amendment often divides lawmakers for months.”

6. 6

   fiscal policynoun phrase/ˈfɪskəl ˈpɒlɪsi/

   Government decisions about taxes and spending used to influence the economy.

   “Many economists debate whether fiscal policy should focus on short-term stimulus or long-term sustainability.”

7. 7

   electoral integritynoun phrase/ɪˈlɛktərəl ɪnˈtɛɡrɪti/

   The fairness, transparency and reliability of the electoral process from registration to counting votes.

   “International monitors were invited to assess electoral integrity during the national vote.”

8. 8

   social justicenoun phrase/ˈsəʊʃəl ˈdʒʌstɪs/

   The principle of fair distribution of resources, rights and opportunities in society.

   “Policies aimed at social justice often focus on education and healthcare access.”

9. 9

   bureaucratic red tapenoun phrase/ˌbjʊərəˈkrætɪk ˈrɛd teɪp/

   Excessive or unnecessary administrative procedures and formalities that cause delay.

   “Small businesses often complain about bureaucratic red tape when applying for licences.”

10. 10

    data protectionnoun phrase/ˈdeɪtə prəˈtɛkʃən/

    Measures, laws, and rules designed to safeguard personal information from misuse or unauthorized access.

    “Strong data protection laws are vital in the digital economy.”

11. 11

    voter suppressionnoun phrase/ˈvəʊtə səˈprɛʃən/

    Actions or policies that reduce people's ability or motivation to vote, often targeting specific groups.

    “Campaigners argued that new ID laws amounted to voter suppression in low-income areas.”

12. 12

    democratic deficitnoun phrase/dɪˈmɒkrætɪk ˈdɛfɪsɪt/

    A situation where political institutions or processes fail to live up to democratic standards like accountability and representation.

    “Critics argue that the EU suffers from a democratic deficit because decisions are often made far from ordinary voters.”

13. 13

    state interventionnoun phrase/steɪt ˌɪntəˈvɛnʃən/

    When the government steps in to influence the economy or society, for example through laws or subsidies.

    “State intervention was necessary to stabilise the banking sector.”

14. 14

    voter apathynoun phrase/ˈvəʊtər ˈæpəθi/

    A lack of interest or concern among voters, leading to low turnout or disengagement.

    “Many analysts blamed low turnout on widespread voter apathy.”

15. 15

    collective bargainingnoun phrase/kəˌlɛktɪv ˈbɑːɡənɪŋ/

    Negotiations between a group of workers (often represented by a union) and employers over pay and conditions.

    “Collective bargaining helped secure better wages for factory workers.”

16. 16

    corporate social responsibilitynoun phrase

    the idea that companies should act responsibly towards society and the environment, not just focus on profit

    “Many firms now publish annual CSR reports to show how they reduce environmental damage.”

17. 17

    public scrutinynoun phrase/ˈpʌblɪk ˈskruːtɪni/

    Careful examination or attention from the public or media towards actions of organizations or individuals.

    “The company's accounting practices came under public scrutiny after the scandal.”

18. 18

    regulatory capturenoun phrase/ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪtəri ˈkæptʃə/

    When a regulatory agency advances the commercial or political concerns of special interest groups that dominate the industry it is charged with regulating.

    “Critics accused the agency of regulatory capture after most board members previously worked for the companies they regulated.”

19. 19

    political ideologynoun phrase/pəˈlɪtɪkəl aɪˈdɪələdʒi/

    A set of beliefs and values that shape political behaviour and policy preferences.

    “His political ideology emphasised welfare provision and strong public services.”

20. 20

    electoral reformnoun phrase/ɪˈlɛk.tər.əl rɪˈfɔːm/

    changes to the rules or systems governing elections intended to improve fairness or effectiveness

    “Campaigners demanded electoral reform to reduce the influence of money in politics.”