Law & Government Vocabulary

Vocabulary words related to law & government that appear on standardized tests including GRE, SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS.

268 words · Page 3 of 5

illegitimate SAT GRE

Not conforming to accepted standards, rules, or laws; not logically or legally sound.

illicit SAT GRE

Forbidden by law, rules, or custom; illegal or unlawful.

impartial SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

Treating all people equally without favoritism or bias.

impound GRE

To seize and take legal custody of something, typically by an authority.

imprisonment TOEFL IELTS

The state of being confined in prison as a form of punishment.

impudence SAT TOEFL

Rude or disrespectful behavior, often with boldness.

incompetent SAT GRE

Lacking the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully.

indenture GRE TOEFL

A legal contract binding a person to serve another for a specified period, especially in historical ...

indict SAT GRE TOEFL

To formally accuse someone of a serious crime based on evidence.

infraction GRE

A minor violation or breach of a rule, law, or agreement.

infringe SAT GRE TOEFL

To violate a law, rule, or right, especially without permission.

iniquity SAT TOEFL

Great immorality or wickedness; a gross injustice.

injunction SAT GRE TOEFL

A judicial order that requires someone to do or refrain from doing a specific act.

innocent IELTS

Not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing; free from harmful intent.

invalidate SAT GRE

To make legally or factually invalid or void.

invoke SAT GRE

To call upon a law, rule, or authority to take effect; to summon.

irreproachable GRE

Impossible to blame or criticize; faultless.

judgment TOEFL IELTS

The ability to make considered decisions; an opinion or decision formed after consideration; also, t...

judicial SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

Relating to the administration of justice or courts of law; pertaining to judges or the legal system...

jurisdiction SAT TOEFL

The official power or authority of a court or government body to enforce laws and make legal decisio...

jurisprudence SAT GRE

The study or theory of law and legal principles.

jury TOEFL IELTS

A group of citizens sworn to deliver a verdict in a court case based on the evidence presented.

justice TOEFL IELTS

Fairness in the way people are treated, especially in legal matters; the administration of law.

juvenile SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

A young person, typically under the age of 18; also refers to something childish or immature.

lawsuit TOEFL

A legal action brought in a court of law by one party against another.

legal IELTS

Permitted or required by law; relating to the law or its application.

legislate SAT GRE TOEFL

To make or pass laws, usually by a governing body.

legislation TOEFL IELTS

Laws or proposed laws enacted by a governing body.

legitimate SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

Conforming to the law or established rules; valid or genuine.

leniency SAT

The quality of being more merciful or tolerant than expected, especially in punishment.

liability GRE IELTS

A legal responsibility or financial debt; something that puts one at a disadvantage.

lobby GRE TOEFL IELTS

A large entrance hall or waiting area in a building, or to attempt to influence legislation.

lynch GRE

To kill (someone, especially a Black person) by mob action and without legal authority; often by han...

magistrate GRE IELTS

A civil officer who administers the law, especially a judge in a lower court.

mandatory SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

Required by law or rule; compulsory.

martial SAT TOEFL IELTS

Relating to war, combat, or the armed forces; often used in phrases like 'martial law'.

mercy IELTS

Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

misdemeanor SAT TOEFL

A minor crime, less serious than a felony.

monarchy SAT IELTS

A form of government with a king or queen as the head of state.

moratorium SAT GRE

An authorized period of delay in the performance of a legal obligation or the payment of a debt.

mortgage GRE TOEFL IELTS

A legal agreement by which a bank lends money to buy property, with the property serving as security...

negotiation TOEFL

The process of discussing something to reach an agreement.

null TOEFL IELTS

Having no legal or binding force; invalid.

nullify GRE

To make legally void or invalidate; to cancel the effect of something.

oath GRE TOEFL IELTS

A solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, to do or not do something.

obligated TOEFL

Legally or morally bound to do something.

obligatory SAT GRE TOEFL

Required by a rule, law, or social custom; mandatory.

observance SAT TOEFL

The act of following a custom, rule, or law, especially a religious one.

offence IELTS

A violation of law, rule, or code; an act that causes anger or resentment.

offense GRE TOEFL

The American spelling of 'offence'; a violation of the law or social etiquette.

omission SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

The act of leaving something out or the fact of being left out.

opprobrious GRE

Harshly critical or abusive; expressing contempt or shame.

ordinance GRE TOEFL

A law or decree issued by a local authority that regulates behavior or establishes rules.

outlaw SAT IELTS

A person who breaks the law or lives outside legal authority; also means to ban something.

outrage SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

A strong reaction of shock, anger, or indignation.

override GRE TOEFL IELTS

To set aside or nullify a decision, order, or authority; to take precedence over something.

overture SAT GRE

An introductory movement in a musical composition; a preliminary proposal or gesture.

overturn TOEFL

To turn something upside down; to revoke or invalidate a decision or ruling.

pact SAT GRE TOEFL

A formal agreement or treaty between people or nations.

parliament SAT TOEFL IELTS

The legislative body of a country, especially in nations with a parliamentary system of government.

Browse all vocabulary → By difficulty