Government

GOVERNMENT/POLITICS

AMNESTY (N) a general pardon by a govt. for past offences

DESPOT (N) cruel and oppressive dictator

HEGEMONY (N) domination by one state over others

INSURGENCY (N) a minor revolt against a local government; uprising

MANDATE (N) authority conferred on an elected official by the  electorate

MORATORIUM (N) a legally authorised period of delay in the performance of a legal obligation or the payment of a debt;  awaiting period set by an authority; a suspension of activity       

POLITY (N) a system or form of government

POTENTATE (N) a monarch, dictator; person possessing great power

RATIFY (V) to approve officially; sanction; confirm

REFERENDUM (N) popular vote on either proposed legislation or a popular initiative

REGIME (N) the government of a specific leader; administration

SECEDE (N) to separate from an organised body of government

SUBJUGATE (V) to conquer or dominate a people or territory

SUBVERT (V) to overthrow, ruin, corrupt or otherwise undermine the stability or order of a government

SUFFRAGE (N) the right to vote

THRALLDOM (N) slavery; serfdom

TITULAR (AD)) in title only (e.g, a monarch or president); nominal and without actual power or authority

TYRANNY (N) absolute authority, usually exercised oppressively

USURP (V) to assume political power or office by force or without right