| abolish |
When the government abolishes something, it stops it or gets rid of it. |
| abolition |
When a government makes a law to completely end or get rid of something, it is called abolition. Abolition is the act of abolishing something, getting rid of it by passing a law against it. [1/2 definitions] |
| accountant |
An accountant is a person who keeps track of how a business spends its money, gives advice about spending money, and often makes sure the company is paying a correct amount of tax to the government each year. All businesses have to report to the government how much money they make and pay a correct amount of tax. Some companies only use an accountant when they are reporting their income to the government and need to figure out how much tax they have to pay. People who have regular jobs also use accountants sometimes if their money affairs are complicated. |
| administration |
the executive officers of a government, or the term of office of such officers. [1/3 definitions] |
| adopt |
When a government or group adopts a law or rule, it means they accept it by voting for it. [1/2 definitions] |
| affair |
Things that are connected with a business or government are sometimes called affairs. [1/3 definitions] |
| affirmative action |
a policy to make sure certain groups of people are given a fair chance for jobs and education. In particular, this policy is for minority groups and women who were not given these opportunities in the past. Regulations made by the U.S. government support affirmative action. |
| agency |
a government department that works on special projects, provides specific services to the government, or makes sure laws and rules are obeyed. [1/3 definitions] |
| ambassador |
a person who is sent by the government of one country to be its official representative in another country. [1/3 definitions] |
| American |
An American is a person who was born in the United States. Some people who come from other countries also become Americans when they pass a test in English about the government and history of America. [1/4 definitions] |
| Amsterdam |
the official capital city of the Netherlands. Most of the government of the Netherlands is located in another city, The Hague. |
| anarchist |
a person who believes in, desires, or tries to realize a society or state without a government. [1/2 definitions] |
| anarchy |
a complete lack of government or law within a country or society. [1/2 definitions] |
| approve |
When the government approves something, it means that they have studied it or tested it in some way and they think it is OK. If a bank approves someone's loan, it means that they have looked carefully at this person's ability to pay back the loan, and they have decided to say yes to lending him or her the money. [1/3 definitions] |
| assassinate |
If someone is assassinated, they are killed by another person who is paid to do it or does it because of some cause they believe in. The word "assassinate" is used when it is a leader who is killed, especially a leader in government or politics. Often the leader is a famous person. |
| authority |
When people talk about "the authorities," they mean agencies who have certain powers and responsibilities by law, especially agencies like the police and other government departments. "The authorities" are people who are in charge and who are expected to solve problems that may affect many people. [1/4 definitions] |
| bill1 |
A bill is what a law is called before it really becomes a law. People in a government discuss a bill and decide whether to approve it or not. If the bill is approved, then it becomes a law. [1/4 definitions] |
| bond |
a piece of paper that a government or business gives when it borrows money. A bond promises to repay the sum of money along with interest. [1/4 definitions] |
| bureau |
a department in a government. [1/3 definitions] |
| cabinet |
(often capitalized) a group of officials who give advice to the head of a government. [1/2 definitions] |
| candidate |
A candidate is a person who hopes to be chosen for something or has all the right things to be chosen. A candidate is often a person who wants to be elected to a position in a government. |