Political systems

1. Democracy:

   • Definition: A political system in which the power is vested in the people, who elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

2. Republic:

   • Definition: A form of government in which the country is considered a "public matter" and is not ruled by a hereditary monarch. The head of state is usually an elected or appointed president.

3. Monarchy:

   • Definition: A political system where a single ruler, typically a king or queen, holds supreme authority over the state.

4. Constitution:

   • Definition: A written or unwritten set of fundamental principles and laws that outline the structure and functions of a government.

5. Federalism:

   • Definition: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units, such as states or provinces.

6. Unitary System:

   • Definition: A political system in which all power is concentrated in the central government, and regional governments derive authority from it.

7. Parliamentary System:

   • Definition: A system of government in which the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the legislature (parliament) and is accountable to it.

8. Presidential System:

   • Definition: A system of government in which the president is both the head of state and the head of government and is elected independently of the legislature.

9. Authoritarianism:

   • Definition: A political system where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small elite group, and citizens have limited political freedoms.

10. Totalitarianism:

    • Definition: A political system in which the government has total control over almost all aspects of public and private life.

11. Oligarchy:

    • Definition: A political system in which a small group of individuals, often from the same social, economic, or political class, hold significant power and influence.

12. Plutocracy:

    • Definition: A political system in which the wealthy or the ruling class holds the dominant power.

13. Theocracy:

    • Definition: A political system in which religious leaders or religious institutions hold political authority.

14. Separation of Powers:

    • Definition: The division of government responsibilities among different branches, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, to prevent the concentration of power.

15. Checks and Balances:

    • Definition: A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches, preventing an abuse of power.

16. Rule of Law:

    • Definition: The principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable to the law.

17. Civil Liberties:

    • Definition: The fundamental individual rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, protected by law from government interference.

18. Civil Rights:

    • Definition: The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, often protected by laws or the constitution.

19. Political Ideology:

    • Definition: A set of beliefs and values that shape an individual's or a group's understanding of politics and guide their political actions.

20. Liberalism:

    • Definition: A political ideology that advocates for individual freedoms, limited government intervention, and protection of civil liberties.

21. Conservatism:

    • Definition: A political ideology that supports traditional values, social stability, and limited government involvement.

22. Socialism:

    • Definition: A political and economic theory advocating for public ownership and control of the means of production and a more equitable distribution of wealth.

23. Capitalism:

    • Definition: An economic and political system in which the means of production and distribution are privately or corporately owned, and economic decisions are driven by supply and demand.

24. Fascism:

    • Definition: A political ideology characterized by strong authoritarian control, extreme nationalism, and suppression of opposition.

25. Communism:

    • Definition: A political and economic theory advocating for the abolition of private ownership and a classless society with collective ownership of the means of production.

26. Electoral System:

    • Definition: The method used to elect representatives to public office, such as first-past-the-post, proportional representation, or electoral college.

27. Political Party:

    • Definition: A group or organization of people who share similar political views and seek to influence public policy through participation in elections.

28. Coalition Government:

    • Definition: A government formed by two or more political parties that agree to work together to govern.

29. Lobbying:

    • Definition: The act of attempting to influence decisions made by government officials in favor of a particular cause or interest group.

30. Civic Engagement:

    • Definition: The active participation of citizens in the political, economic, and social life of their community and country.

Please note that political systems are complex, and this vocabulary provides a foundation for discussing and understanding various aspects of political systems during the IELTS exam or any political discussions.