Top 100 List of Secondary 3 English Vocabulary Words to Learn for Theme “Politics”

Understanding and discussing political themes effectively requires a solid vocabulary list. For Secondary 3 English, building a nuanced vocabulary around politics can help students better analyze texts, express complex ideas, and engage critically in discussions. Here’s a curated list of Top 100 essential vocabulary words for the theme of politics, including definitions and example sentences.

Why Focus on Political Vocabulary?

The theme of politics covers a wide range of topics, from governance and policy to civic rights and international relations. A strong vocabulary in this area allows students to:

• Understand Complex Texts: Political writings often include specialized terms and jargon.
• Express Informed Opinions: Knowing the right terms makes discussing political ideas more effective.
• Engage in Critical Thinking: Political vocabulary helps students evaluate arguments and perspectives more critically.

Top 100 Vocabulary Words for Theme “Politics”

1. Government and Governance Terms

1. Autonomy – The right of a group or region to govern itself independently.
2. Bureaucracy – A system of government where decisions are made by state officials rather than elected representatives.
3. Civic – Relating to the duties or activities of people in relation to their town, city, or local area.
4. Coalition – An alliance formed between different parties or groups for a specific purpose.
5. Constituency – A body of voters in a specified area who elect a representative.
6. Decentralization – The transfer of authority from central to local government.
7. Democracy – A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.
8. Dictatorship – Government by a single ruler with absolute power.
9. Federalism – A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units.
10. Ideology – A system of ideas and ideals, especially one forming the basis of economic or political theory.
11. Legislation – Laws or rules made by a government body.
12. Mandate – The authority given to an elected group or official to act on behalf of their constituents.
13. Monarchy – A form of government with a monarch at the head.
14. Oligarchy – A form of power structure where a small group of people hold all the power.
15. Parliamentary – Related to or suitable for a parliament.
16. Plebiscite – A direct vote by eligible citizens to decide an important public question.
17. Republic – A state in which supreme power rests in citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives.
18. Sovereignty – Supreme power or authority, especially of a state or governing body.
19. Totalitarian – Relating to a centralized government that does not tolerate differing opinions.
20. Veto – The right to reject a decision or proposal made by a law-making body.

2. Political Systems and Concepts

21. Anarchy – A state of society without government or law.
22. Authoritarian – Favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority.
23. Bipartisanship – Cooperation between two opposing political parties.
24. Capitalism – An economic and political system where trade is controlled by private owners for profit.
25. Communism – A political theory advocating for a society where all property is publicly owned.
26. Corruption – Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power.
27. Diplomacy – The practice of conducting negotiations between countries.
28. Electorate – All the people in a country or area entitled to vote.
29. Emancipation – The act of freeing someone from political, social, or legal restrictions.
30. Fascism – An authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government.
31. Globalization – The process by which businesses or organizations develop international influence.
32. Impeachment – A process by which a public official is accused of unlawful activity.
33. Imperialism – A policy of extending a country’s power through diplomacy or military force.
34. Isolationism – A policy of remaining apart from the political affairs of other countries.
35. Liberalism – A political ideology focused on liberty and equality.
36. Martial Law – Military control over normal civilian functions of government.
37. Nationalism – Identification with one’s nation and support for its interests.
38. Populism – A political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people.
39. Radicalism – The beliefs or actions of individuals advocating thorough or complete political reform.
40. Secularism – The principle of separation between government institutions and religious institutions.

3. Political Actions and Movements

41. Activism – The practice of vigorous action or involvement to bring about social or political change.
42. Advocacy – Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause.
43. Campaign – An organized effort to bring about a particular result, often in elections.
44. Censorship – The suppression or prohibition of speech or writing considered subversive.
45. Civil Disobedience – Refusal to obey certain laws as a form of protest.
46. Conservatism – A political philosophy promoting traditional institutions.
47. Diplomat – An official representing a country abroad.
48. Embargo – An official ban on trade with a particular country.
49. Hegemony – Dominance of one group over another.
50. Lobbying – The act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in government.
51. Militarism – The belief that a country should maintain a strong military.
52. Partisanship – Strong support of a party or cause, often without considering other viewpoints.
53. Patriotism – Devotion to one’s country.
54. Protest – A statement or action expressing disapproval of something.
55. Rhetoric – The art of persuasive speaking or writing.
56. Sanction – A penalty for disobeying a law or rule, often in international relations.
57. Scapegoat – A person or group made to bear the blame for others.
58. Subjugation – Bringing someone or something under control, often by force.
59. Tariff – A tax imposed on imported goods.
60. Tyranny – Cruel and oppressive government or rule.

4. Key Political Concepts and Terms

61. Austerity – Economic policies aimed at reducing government deficits.
62. Bilateral – Involving two parties, especially countries.
63. Diplomatic Immunity – Legal immunity given to foreign diplomats.
64. Extradition – The action of handing over a person to another jurisdiction.
65. Inflation – A general increase in prices.
66. Legitimacy – Conformity to the law or rules; authenticity of authority.
67. Marginalized – Treating a group as insignificant.
68. Neutrality – The state of not supporting either side in a conflict.
69. Patronage – Support or financial aid given by a person in power.
70. Pluralism – A system in which multiple groups, beliefs, or opinions coexist.
71. Recession – A period of temporary economic decline.
72. Referendum – A direct vote by the electorate on a particular proposal.
73. Regime – An authoritarian government.
74. Reparations – Compensation for war damage paid by a defeated country.
75. Revolution – A significant change in political power or structure.
76. Socialism – A political theory advocating for communal ownership of production.
77. Statecraft – The skillful management of state affairs.
78. Subsidy – Financial support granted by the government to support a particular sector.
79. Transparency – Openness and accountability in government.
80. Welfare State – A system in which the government protects the health and well-being of its citizens.

5. Vocabulary for Political Discussions and Analysis

81. Amendment – A change or addition to a legal document or legislation.
82. Arbitration – A method of settling disputes outside the courts.
83. Concession – A thing granted in response to demands.
84. Dissent – The expression of opinions against the majority.
85. Equity – Fairness and justice.
86. Ethics – Moral principles that govern behavior.
87. Freedom of Speech – The right to express opinions publicly.
88. Judiciary – The system of courts that interprets and applies the law.
89. Legitimacy – Conformity to the law or rules.
90. Mediation – Intervention in a dispute to resolve it.
91. Propaganda – Information, often biased, used to promote a cause.
92. Quorum – The minimum number of members required to hold a meeting.
93. Reconciliation – Restoration of friendly relations.
94. Repression – The act of subduing someone or something by force.
95. Secession – The act of withdrawing formally from membership of a federation.
96. Self-Determination – The right of a people to choose their own government.
97. Sedition – Conduct or speech inciting rebellion against authority.
98. Status Quo – The existing state of affairs.
99. Surveillance – Close observation, especially of a suspected group.
100. Whistleblower – A person who informs on illicit activities within an organization.

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Types of Political Systems in the 21st Century

Political systems vary widely across the globe, influenced by cultural, historical, and socio-economic factors. Each system organizes power, governance, and the relationship between the state and its citizens differently. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of political systems in the 21st century:

1. Democracy

• Definition: A political system where citizens have the power to make decisions directly or through elected representatives.
• Types:
  • Direct Democracy: Citizens vote on laws and policies directly. While rare on a national scale, Switzerland exemplifies elements of direct democracy.
  • Representative Democracy: Citizens elect officials to represent them. Countries like the United States, India, and Germany follow this model.
• Characteristics: Free and fair elections, the rule of law, separation of powers, and the protection of individual rights.

2. Republic

• Definition: A form of democracy where the head of state is elected, rather than a monarch. Most republics are also representative democracies.
• Example: The United States, France, and South Korea.
• Characteristics: Similar to democracies, republics emphasize the role of law, a constitution, and elected leaders. Power is often divided among different branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial).

3. Monarchy

• Definition: A system where a single person, the monarch, serves as head of state for life or until abdication.
• Types:
  • Absolute Monarchy: The monarch has unrestricted power. Examples include Saudi Arabia and Brunei.
  • Constitutional Monarchy: The monarch’s powers are restricted by a constitution or parliamentary system. The United Kingdom, Japan, and Spain are examples.
• Characteristics: Monarchies often blend historical tradition with contemporary governance, especially in constitutional monarchies where elected bodies hold significant power.

4. Authoritarianism

• Definition: A system where a single entity or a small group holds power with little accountability, often limiting personal freedoms and political opposition.
• Types:
  • Military Dictatorship: Control is held by the military, with leaders often seizing power through coups. Examples include Myanmar under military rule.
  • Civilian Dictatorship: Power is concentrated in a single civilian leader or party, as seen in North Korea.
• Characteristics: Limited political pluralism, restricted freedoms, and centralized power. Media and public opinion are often controlled to maintain authority.

5. Communism

• Definition: A classless political system aiming for equal distribution of resources, often led by a single party. Inspired by Marxist-Leninist ideology, communism has been adapted by various countries with unique implementations.
• Example: China, Cuba, and Vietnam.
• Characteristics: State ownership of resources, centralized planning, and control over the economy and political structure. While political opposition is generally restricted, some countries have adapted limited market reforms.

6. Socialism

• Definition: A system that advocates for state or collective ownership of essential industries and resources, with varying degrees of democracy.
• Types:
  • Democratic Socialism: Combines democratic governance with socialist policies (e.g., Nordic countries like Sweden and Denmark).
  • Socialist Republics: Often led by a single party (e.g., Vietnam), blending socialism with a central government.
• Characteristics: Aims to reduce economic inequality through state intervention, welfare programs, and public ownership of key industries. Democratic socialist systems also ensure a democratic electoral process.

7. Theocracy

• Definition: A system where religious leaders control the government, and religious law guides policies.
• Example: Iran and Vatican City.
• Characteristics: Government decisions are based on religious principles, and clergy or religious leaders often hold significant power. In some theocracies, religious and secular roles are closely intertwined.

8. Hybrid Systems

• Definition: Some countries combine elements of multiple systems, resulting in unique hybrid political systems.
• Example: Russia has elements of democracy but leans toward an authoritarian structure. Singapore blends democratic and authoritarian elements to create its governance model.
• Characteristics: These systems adapt aspects from various models to suit local contexts. They may combine democratic institutions with strong central authority or incorporate free markets with state control over certain areas.

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Final Thoughts

Each political system in the 21st century reflects the complexities of governance, balancing power, freedom, and control. Countries may adapt or evolve their systems in response to internal and external pressures, aiming to meet the diverse needs of their societies.

What to learn Secondary 3 Students for GCE O’level for Politics?

For Secondary 3 students preparing for the GCE O-Level, especially in subjects related to social studies, it’s crucial to understand the foundations of politics, governance, and citizenship as these topics play a central role in the curriculum. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas and skills that can enhance students’ readiness for GCE O-Level exams in this subject:

1. Understanding Political Systems and Governance

• Types of Political Systems: Grasping the various forms of governance, including democracy, authoritarianism, monarchy, and communism, and understanding how they function in different countries.
• Structure of Government: Recognizing the roles and functions of branches of government (executive, legislative, judiciary) and understanding checks and balances.
• Case Studies of Different Countries: Analyzing different political systems through case studies, especially how they impact citizens and international relations. Singapore, the UK, and the US are common examples.

2. Citizenship and Governance

• Role of Citizens: Understanding civic rights, responsibilities, and the importance of active citizenship, including how citizens can engage in decision-making processes.
• Social Responsibility and Civic Duty: How individuals contribute to society through civic participation, community service, and awareness of social issues.
• National Identity and Values: Emphasizing national values such as meritocracy, harmony, and inclusivity, especially in the context of Singapore’s multicultural society.

3. Human Rights and Social Justice

• Basic Human Rights: Recognizing the importance of human rights in governance and how these rights are upheld or challenged in different political systems.
• Social Justice Issues: Studying contemporary issues such as inequality, discrimination, and freedom of speech. These topics help students understand the social impact of political policies.

4. Globalization and International Relations

• Impact of Globalization: Examining how globalization affects national sovereignty, cultures, and economies. This includes understanding both the benefits (e.g., economic growth) and challenges (e.g., cultural erosion).
• Interdependence Between Nations: Analyzing how countries cooperate through trade, diplomacy, and international organizations like the United Nations (UN) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
• Singapore’s Foreign Policy: Focusing on Singapore’s approach to maintaining regional stability, economic partnerships, and diplomacy in a globalized world.

5. Economic Development and Political Stability

• Link Between Economy and Politics: Understanding how political stability supports economic growth, and conversely, how economic challenges can affect political stability.
• Singapore’s Economic Policies: Analyzing Singapore’s strategies for sustainable economic growth, such as its focus on education, innovation, and international trade partnerships.

6. Environmental and Social Responsibility

• Sustainable Development: Learning about sustainable practices and policies, and the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
• Singapore’s Environmental Policies: Familiarizing with Singapore’s Green Plan, resource management, and efforts toward environmental conservation.

7. Skills for Critical Thinking and Analysis

• Source-Based Questions (SBQ): Learning to analyze sources critically, including reliability, purpose, and message. This is essential for interpreting historical events and political decisions.
• Structured Essay Questions (SEQ): Developing skills to construct coherent, evidence-based arguments in response to questions about governance, politics, and social issues.
• Understanding Cause and Effect: Identifying how historical and political events impact social structures and policies. This includes evaluating short-term and long-term consequences.

8. Developing Personal Perspectives and Ethical Reasoning

• Forming Opinions on Social Issues: Students should learn to assess different perspectives and form reasoned opinions on topics like freedom, equality, and governance.
• Ethics in Politics: Understanding the ethical dilemmas in governance, such as balancing personal freedoms with national security or economic priorities with environmental concerns.

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Tips for Success

• Stay Informed: Keeping up-to-date with current events, both locally and globally, helps students understand real-world applications of these political concepts.
• Practice Critical Thinking: Engage in discussions, debates, and activities that encourage questioning and analysis of political issues.
• Master SBQ and SEQ Skills: These skills are key in exams, so regular practice and feedback are essential.

By focusing on these areas, Secondary 3 students will build a strong foundation in political knowledge and critical thinking, preparing them well for their GCE O-Level exams and beyond.

Conclusion

Mastering these political vocabulary terms will empower Secondary 3 students to engage in thoughtful discussions, comprehend complex texts, and express ideas confidently on topics related to politics with Top 100 Vocabulary List Themes. With these terms, students are better prepared to discuss key issues, analyze perspectives, and write persuasively on the theme of politics.

To develop these skills further, consider joining our English Tuition program at eduKate Singapore, where students can learn vocabulary, comprehension strategies, and discussion skills.

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