Parties, parliament, elections and the language of policy.
Practise this list
From these 40 words, as many per round as you like — up to all of them: first what is due today, then new ones. First you choose, then you fill the gap, then you write it yourself. Mistakes come back again shortly.
More about this list
Political vocabulary is almost entirely made of two-kanji words borrowed from Chinese, and many come in pairs worth learning together: 与党 and 野党, 当選 and 落選, 可決 and 否決. News reports put most of them in the passive — 法案が可決された — because the subject of the story is the bill, not the people who voted for it. Note that 国会 is the national parliament, while 議会 is any elected assembly, from a town council upwards.
The words
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Noun (40)
政治politicsNounN3
若い人は政治への関心が低いと言われている。It is said that young people take little interest in politics.
政党political partyNounN2
選挙の前に新しい政党が生まれた。A new political party was formed before the election.
国会parliament; the DietNounN2
今日の国会の様子はテレビで中継された。Today’s session of parliament was broadcast live on television.
Japan’s national parliament; also used for the parliaments of other countries.
議会assembly; councilNounN2
市の議会で新しい図書館の計画が話し合われた。The plan for a new library was discussed in the city council.
議員member of parliament; councillorNounN2
父の友人は市の議員をしている。A friend of my father’s is a city councillor.
法案bill (a proposed law)NounN2
政府は新しい法案を国会に提出した。The government submitted a new bill to parliament.
与党ruling partyNounN2
与党は法案を今月中に成立させたい考えだ。The ruling party intends to get the bill passed this month.
野党opposition partyNounN2
野党は政府の説明が不十分だと批判した。The opposition criticised the government’s explanation as inadequate.
連立coalitionNounN2
二つの政党が連立政権を組んだ。Two parties formed a coalition government.
内閣cabinetNounN2
新しい内閣が発足した。A new cabinet has taken office.
政権government in power; administrationNounN2
政権が交代すると、政策も大きく変わる。When power changes hands, policy changes a great deal too.
行政public administrationNounN2
行政の手続きをもっと簡単にしてほしい。I wish administrative procedures were simpler.
自治体local authority; municipalityNounN2
多くの自治体が子育ての支援に力を入れている。Many local authorities are putting effort into supporting families with children.
外交diplomacy; foreign relationsNounN2
外交では、言葉の選び方ひとつが大切だ。In diplomacy, even a single choice of words matters.
改革reformNounN2
政府は働き方の改革を進めている。The government is pressing ahead with reforms to the way people work.
Also a verb: 改革する.
憲法constitutionNounN2
憲法を改正するには国民の投票が必要だ。Amending the constitution requires a national referendum.
民主主義democracyNounN2
民主主義では、少数の意見も尊重されるべきだ。In a democracy, minority views should be respected too.
有権者voter; the electorateNounN2
候補者は駅前で有権者に声をかけていた。The candidate was talking to voters in front of the station.
落選losing an electionNounN2
現職の議員が落選したのは意外だった。It came as a surprise that the sitting member lost.
公約campaign pledgeNounN2
選挙の公約がどこまで守られるか、注目されている。People are watching to see how many of the campaign pledges will be kept.
演説speech; addressNounN2
候補者の演説を聞きに多くの人が集まった。A large crowd gathered to hear the candidate’s speech.
A speech to an audience, especially a political one; a short talk at a party is スピーチ.
