IGCSE OCR Politics: Key Vocabulary Quick-Memory Guide | IGCSE OCR 政治：关键术语速记指南

📚 IGCSE OCR Politics: Key Vocabulary Quick-Memory Guide | IGCSE OCR 政治：关键术语速记指南

Mastering political vocabulary is the first step to doing well in IGCSE OCR Government and Politics. This quick-memory guide breaks down essential terms into bite-sized definitions, complete with tips to help you recall them fast. Whether you are revising democracy, electoral systems, or the judiciary, the paired English and Chinese explanations will reinforce your understanding and make revision more efficient.

掌握政治术语是学好 IGCSE OCR 政府与政治课程的第一步。这份速记指南将核心词汇拆解成易于记忆的定义，并配有助记提示，帮助你快速回想。无论你是在复习民主、选举制度还是司法机构，中英对照的解释都会加深理解，让备考更高效。

1. Democracy and Representation | 民主与代议制

Democracy: A system of government in which power is held by the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. Think of the Greek roots: ‘demos’ (people) and ‘kratos’ (rule) – literally ‘people power’.

民主：一种由人民掌握权力的政府体制，人民可直接行使权力或通过选举产生的代表来行使。记住希腊词根：”demos” (人民) 和 “kratos” (统治) —— 字面意思就是 “人民掌权”。

Direct democracy: A form of democracy in which citizens vote on policy initiatives directly, without intermediaries. Modern examples include referendums and town meetings. Memory cue: no middleman – you decide.

直接民主：公民无需中间人，直接对政策倡议进行投票的民主形式。现代例子包括全民公投和城镇会议。记忆线索：没有中间人 —— 你自己做决定。

Representative democracy: Citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. If the office-holders fail to act in the public interest, they can be voted out at the next election. Visualise a chain of delegation: people → MPs → government.

代议制民主：公民选举官员代表他们做出决策。如果任职者未能维护公共利益，可以在下次选举中被投票换掉。想象一条授权链：人民 → 议员 → 政府。

Referendum: A direct vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a decision. It is a device of direct democracy often used for constitutional changes. Tip: think ‘refer’ back to the people.

全民公投：全体选民就提交给他们的某一政治问题进行的直接投票，以作出决定。它是一种直接民主工具，常用于宪法变更。提示：把问题 “交回” (refer) 给人民决定。

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2. Elections and Voting Systems | 选举与投票制度

Suffrage: The right to vote in political elections. The expansion of suffrage – to include women, working-class men and younger citizens – has been a long struggle. Link it to ‘suffer’ (endured hardship) to win the vote.

选举权：在政治选举中投票的权利。选举权的扩大 —— 包括妇女、工人阶级男性以及年青公民 —— 是一场漫长的斗争。联系英文 “suffer” (承受苦难) 来记住争取选票的艰辛。

Electoral mandate: The authority granted by the electorate to a winning party or candidate to carry out the policies promised in their manifesto. A large majority gives a strong mandate. Memory: ‘mandate’ sounds like ‘man date’ – the people’s instruction for a term in office.

选举授权：选民赋予获胜政党或候选人的权力，使其得以实施竞选纲领中承诺的政策。大比数胜出便带来强有力的授权。记忆：” mandate ” 可联想为 “人民给你上任的指令”。

First-Past-the-Post (FPTP): An electoral system in which the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, even if they do not secure an absolute majority. Often summarised as ‘winner takes all’. It tends to produce single-party majority governments.

简单多数制 (FPTP)：一种选举制度，在选区中获得最多票数的候选人即当选，即便未获得绝对多数。常被概括为 “赢家通吃”。这种制度往往产生单一政党的多数政府。

Proportional Representation (PR): An electoral system designed to allocate seats in proportion to the votes each party receives. PR aims to make the legislature a mirror of the voters’ preferences. Think ‘PR mirrors the popular vote’.

比例代表制 (PR)：一种旨在按各政党得票比例分配议席的选举制度。PR 力求让立法机关反映选民意愿的全貌。可记为 “PR 像镜子一样照出民意”。

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3. Political Parties and Ideologies | 政党与意识形态

Political party: An organised group of people with similar political aims and opinions, seeking to gain power by contesting elections. Parties typically put forward a manifesto and aim to form a government. Visualise a team with a shared playbook.

政党：由具有相似政治目标和观点的人组成的有组织团体，通过参加选举以争取政权。政党通常会提出竞选纲领，力图组建政府。可想象成一个拿着共同战术手册的团队。

Manifesto: A public declaration of policy and aims issued by a political party before a general election. If the party wins, the manifesto becomes the basis of its electoral mandate. Cue: ‘manifest’ means to make clear – a manifesto makes promises visible.

竞选纲领 (宣言)：政党在大选前发布的政策与目标公开声明。若该党胜出，宣言便成为其选举授权的基础。提示：” manifest ” 意思是使清晰可见 —— 宣言就是把承诺亮出来。

Left-wing: A political stance that generally supports social equality, redistribution of wealth, and a larger role for the state in the economy. Think of the left as leaning towards ‘level’ outcomes.

左翼：一种通常支持社会平等、财富再分配以及国家在经济中发挥更大作用的政治立场。可将左翼联想为倾向 “拉平” 结果。

Right-wing: A political stance that emphasises individual freedom, private enterprise, low taxation and a limited state. Often associated with conservative or libertarian ideas. Memory: the right values ‘right’ to keep what you earn.

右翼：强调个人自由、私营企业、低税收和有限国家权力的政治立场。常与保守主义或自由意志主义理念相关联。记忆：右翼看重保留自己所得的 “权利”。

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4. Pressure Groups and Social Movements | 利益集团与社会运动

Pressure group: An organised group that seeks to influence government policy without seeking election to office. Unlike parties, they usually focus on a single issue or a narrow range of concerns. Tip: they apply ‘pressure’ from outside.

利益集团 (压力团体)：旨在影响政府政策但不谋求竞选公职的有组织团体。与政党不同，它们通常专注于单一议题或有限的关切领域。提示：它们从外部施加 “压力”。

Insider group: A pressure group that has regular, privileged access to government decision-makers, often consulted during policy formation. Examples include the British Medical Association. Cue: ‘inside’ the corridors of power.

内部集团：与政府决策者有着定期、特惠接触渠道的利益集团，常在政策形成过程中被咨询。例如英国医学会。线索：进入权力走廊的 “内部”。

Outsider group: A pressure group that lacks direct government access and therefore relies on public campaigns, protests or media to influence policy. Greenpeace is a classic outsider group. Memory: they shout from ‘outside’ the gates.

外部集团：缺乏直接接触政府渠道的利益集团，因此依赖公众运动、抗议或媒体来影响政策。绿色和平组织就是典型的外部集团。记忆：它们从大门 “外面” 呐喊。

Lobbying: The activity of trying to persuade legislators or government officials to support a particular cause or policy. The term originated from the lobbies of the Houses of Parliament where constituents would meet MPs.

游说：试图说服立法者或政府官员支持某一特定事业或政策的活动。该词源于英国议会的休息厅 (lobby)，选民会在那里会见议员。

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5. Government Structures | 政府结构

Separation of powers: The doctrine that the three branches of government – legislature, executive and judiciary – should be kept distinct and independent to prevent the concentration of power. Think of three separate pillars holding up the roof of the state.

权力分立：主张政府三大分支 —— 立法、行政和司法 —— 应彼此独立、分开，以防权力集中的原则。想象三根独立的柱子共同撑起国家之顶。

Fusion of powers: A system where the executive is drawn from and sits within the legislature, as in the UK parliamentary system. The government ministers are also MPs. Thus the branches are fused, not separated.

权力融合：一种行政人员来自并身兼立法机关成员的制度，如英国议会制。政府大臣同时是议员。因此分支是融合而非分立的。

Unitary state: A state governed as a single entity in which the central government is ultimately supreme. Subnational governments may exist, but only with powers delegated by the centre. Memory: ‘uni’ = one central authority.

单一制国家：作为单一实体治理的国家，中央政府最终至高无上。地方级政府可以存在，但其权力概由中央授予。记忆：” uni ” 代表唯一的中枢权威。

Devolution: The transfer of certain powers from the central government to regional governments while sovereignty remains with the centre. Examples include devolved parliaments in Scotland and Wales. Tip: think of ‘devolving’ limited power downwards.

权力下放：在主权仍归中央的前提下，将特定权力由中央政府转移给地区政府。如苏格兰和威尔士的权力下放议会。提示：就像把部分权力向下 “移交”。

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6. The Legislature | 立法机关

Legislature: The law‑making branch of government. In a parliamentary system, it is often called parliament; in a presidential system, congress. Its main functions include passing legislation, scrutinising the executive and representing constituents.

立法机关：政府的立法分支。在议会制下常称议会；在总统制下称国会。其主要职能包括通过法律、监督行政机关和代表选民。

Bicameral: A legislature with two chambers or houses, such as the UK House of Commons and House of Lords. The upper house often acts as a revising chamber. Memory: ‘bi’ as in bicycle – two wheels, two chambers.

两院制：由两个议院组成的立法机关，例如英国的下议院和上议院。上院通常充当复核院。记忆：” bi ” 如同自行车有两轮，即两个议院。

Unicameral: A legislature with a single chamber. Countries such as New Zealand and Denmark operate unicameral parliaments, which can make law-making quicker but with fewer checks.

一院制：仅有一个议院的立法机关。新西兰和丹麦等国采用一院制议会，立法可能更快，但制衡较少。

Constituency: A geographical area whose residents elect a representative to a legislative body. An MP holds a ‘seat’ for a constituency. Think of it as a ‘community of interest’ that sends one voice to parliament.

选区：选举一名代表进入立法机关的地理区域。议员为选区保有 “议席”。可将其视为向议会送去一个声音的 “利益共同体”。

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7. The Executive | 行政机关

Executive: The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws. It includes the prime minister, cabinet and the civil service. Picture the executive as the ‘engine room’ that keeps the state running day to day.

行政机关：负责执行与实施法律的政府分支，包括首相、内阁和公务员系统。可把行政机关想象成维持国家日常运转的 “发动机舱”。

Prime Minister: The head of government in a parliamentary system, elected by fellow MPs and appointed by the head of state. The PM leads the cabinet and is accountable to parliament. Memory: ‘first among equals’.

首相 (总理)：议会制下的政府首脑，由同僚议员选举产生并经国家元首任命。首相领导内阁并向议会负责。记忆：” 同侪之首 ” (first among equals)。

Cabinet: A committee of senior ministers chosen by the prime minister, each typically heading a government department. Collective cabinet responsibility means all members publicly support agreed policies.

内阁：由首相挑选的高级大臣组成的委员会，每人通常主管一个政府部门。内阁集体负责制意味着全体成员公开支持已商定的政策。

Head of State: The individual who represents the ceremonial unity of the country. In a constitutional monarchy this is the monarch; in a republic it is a president. Tip: symbol vs. actual power – the head of state often reigns but does not rule.

国家元首：代表国家礼节性统一的个人。在君主立宪制下是君主；在共和制下是总统。提示：象征与实际权力不同 —— 国家元首常是 “统而不治”。

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8. The Judiciary and Rule of Law | 司法与法治

Judiciary: The system of courts and judges that interprets and applies the law. Judicial independence ensures judges can make decisions without pressure from the government. Visualise a neutral umpire in a sports match.

司法机关：解释并适用法律的法院和法官体系。司法独立确保法官能在不受政府压力的情况下作出裁决。想象成体育比赛中的中立裁判。

Rule of law: The principle that everyone – including government officials – is subject to the law, and that laws are clear, public, fairly enforced and protect fundamental rights. It means no one is above the law.

法治：人人（包括政府官员）均受法律约束的原则；法律须明确、公开、公正执行并保障基本权利。这表示任何人都不能凌驾于法律之上。

Judicial review: The power of courts to examine the actions of the executive and legislature and, if necessary, declare them unlawful or unconstitutional. It is a key check on public authorities. Cue: ‘review’ their decisions to ensure they obey the law.

司法审查：法院审查行政机关与立法机关行为，并在必要时宣告其不合法或违宪的权力。这是对公共当局的一项重要制约。线索：” 审查 “它们的决定以确保守法。

Precedent: A legal principle established in a previous case that serves as an authority for deciding subsequent similar cases. Common law systems rely heavily on precedent. Memory: ‘precede’ – what went before guides what comes after.

先例：在先前案件中确立的法律原则，可作为裁决后来相似案件的依据。普通法系高度依赖先例。记忆：” pre ” 即先前之事指引后续之事。

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9. Constitutions and Rights | 宪法与权利

Constitution: A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed. It defines the distribution of powers and the rights of citizens. Think of it as the state’s rulebook.

宪法：一套据以治理国家的基本原则或确定先例。它界定权力分配和公民权利。可将其看作国家的基本规则手册。

Codified constitution: A constitution written in a single, authoritative document, as in the United States. It is entrenched and usually protected by a special amendment procedure. Memory: ‘codified’ = collected in one codex.

成文宪法 (法典化宪法)：载于单一权威文件中的宪法，如美国。它具备刚性，通常受特殊修正程序保护。记忆：” codified ” 意为编纂于一部法典中。

Uncodified constitution: A constitution not contained in a single written document but drawn from statutes, conventions and judicial decisions. The United Kingdom is a prime example. Tip: ‘uncodified’ means scattered across many sources.

不成文宪法 (非法典化宪法)：非载于单一书面文件，而是源自制定法、惯例和司法判决的宪法。联合王国是典型例子。提示：” uncodified ” 意味着分散于众多来源。

Civil liberties: Fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals by law or constitutional convention, such as freedom of speech, assembly and religion. They protect citizens from excessive state interference.

公民自由：法律或宪政惯例保障个人的基本权利与自由，如言论、集会和宗教自由。它们保护公民免受国家不当干预。

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10. International Relations and Global Governance | 国际关系与全球治理

Sovereignty: The supreme and independent authority of a state to govern itself without external interference. National sovereignty is the bedrock of international relations but is increasingly challenged by globalisation. Memory: ‘sovereign’ = the highest boss in the land.

主权：国家自主治理而不受外来干涉的最高独立权力。国家主权是国际关系的基石，但正日益受到全球化的挑战。记忆：” sovereign ” 即国土上的最高领导者。

Supranational: A form of governance in which power is held above the level of the nation‑state, such as the European Union. Member states pool sovereignty to make collective decisions. Cue: ‘supra’ means above – above the nation.

超国家：一种权力置于民族国家层级之上的治理形式，如欧洲联盟。成员国将主权汇集以作集体决策。线索：” supra ” 意为之上 —— 在国家之上。

United Nations (UN): An international organisation founded in 1945 to maintain peace, security and cooperation. Its main bodies include the General Assembly and the Security Council. Memory: 193 flags – nearly every nation united.

联合国：成立于1945年、旨在维护和平、安全与合作的国际组织。其主要机构包括联合国大会和安全理事会。记忆：193面旗帜 —— 几乎每个国家联合在一起。

NATO: The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, a military alliance formed in 1949 for collective defence. Members agree that an attack on one is an attack on all. Visualise a shield covering the North Atlantic area.

北约：北大西洋公约组织，1949年成立的防御性军事联盟，成员国约定对一国的攻击即是对全体的攻击。想象一面盾牌覆盖北大西洋区域。

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