Each branch of government has a set name: the legislative branch makes laws, the executive enforces them, the judicial interprets them.
The three branches of government
Not ""The law-making branch makes laws."" — say ""The legislative branch makes laws."". Use the standard term legislative branch, not "law-making branch".
Try it: Which branch is responsible for enforcing laws? (the executive branch / the legislative branch / the judicial branch) Answer: the executive branch — The executive branch is the one that enforces laws.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
legislative branch
/ˈlɛdʒɪsleɪtɪv bræntʃ/
The legislative branch passed the bill after months of debate.
executive branch
/ɪɡˈzɛkjətɪv bræntʃ/
Enforcing the new rules falls to the executive branch, not the courts.
judicial branch
/dʒuˈdɪʃəl bræntʃ/
The judicial branch decides whether a law is constitutional.
Political processes in fixed phrases
Fixed political phrases: voter turnout (share who vote), grassroots movement (led by ordinary citizens), gross misconduct (serious wrongdoing), pass legislation (make new laws).
Not ""Voter attendance fell after the polling station moved."" — say ""Voter turnout fell after the polling station moved."". The share of people who vote is voter turnout, not "voter attendance".
Try it: Farid: Why was the official fired? Sofia: The report calls it ___. Choose the words for the blank. (gross misconduct / big misconduct / gross conduct) Answer: gross misconduct — "Gross misconduct" is the fixed phrase for wrongdoing serious enough to justify dismissal.
Try it: Lani: Ordinary neighbors started the campaign, not officials. Mei: Then it's a ___. Choose the words for the blank. (grassroots movement / basic movement / ground-level party) Answer: grassroots movement — "Grassroots movement" is the set phrase for action led from below by ordinary people.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
voter turnout
/ˈvoʊtər ˈtɜrnaʊt/
Voter turnout fell sharply during the storm last spring.
grassroots movement
/ˈɡræsruts ˈmuvmənt/
The campaign started as a small grassroots movement in a few towns.
gross misconduct
/ɡroʊs ˌmɪsˈkɑndʌkt/
The minister resigned after being accused of gross misconduct.
pass legislation
/ˈpæs ˌlɛdʒɪˈsleɪʃən/
Lawmakers passed legislation last year that protects the river.
Holding power to account
Accountability means answering for your actions; an advocacy group campaigns for a cause; controversy is public disagreement; ratification is formal approval.
Try it: Mateo: Why is the referee's call still in the news? Yasmin: Fans can't agree if it was fair. It caused real ___. Choose the word for the blank. (controversy / consensus / contribution) Answer: controversy — "Controversy" is public disagreement, which fits fans who can't agree.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
accountability
/əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/
Publishing every expense is one way to improve accountability.
advocacy group
/ˈædvəkəsi ɡrup/
An advocacy group for cyclists collected two thousand signatures for safer lanes.
controversy
/ˈkɑntrəˌvɜrsi/
The new stadium plan has stirred up controversy for months.
ratification
/ˌrætəfɪˈkeɪʃən/
The treaty cannot take effect until its ratification is complete in every member country.
What are the common mistakes?
Incorrect
Correct
Why
"The law-making branch makes laws."
"The legislative branch makes laws."
Use the standard term legislative branch, not "law-making branch".
"Voter attendance fell after the polling station moved."
"Voter turnout fell after the polling station moved."
The share of people who vote is voter turnout, not "voter attendance".