Learning the language of a country is not complete without understanding its civic and governmental terms, as they are essential for participating in everyday discussions about the state of affairs in that country. In Belarusian, many of these terms are derived from the country’s history and culture. Below you will find some key terms and their definitions that will help you discuss civic and government-related topics in Belarusian.

Урад (Urad) — Government
The executive branch of power in the Republic of Belarus, which implements domestic and foreign policy and manages the system of state administration.
У Беларусі новы урад пачаў сваю працу гэтым летам. (In Belarus, the new government began its work this summer.)

Прэзідэнт (Prezident) — President
The head of state and the leading figure in the executive government, who holds the highest office in Belarus.
У Беларусі прэзідэнт абіраецца на пяцігадовы тэрмін. (In Belarus, the president is elected for a five-year term.)

Парламент (Parlament) — Parliament
The national legislative body of Belarus, which consists of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic.
Парламент разгледзеў папраўкі ў заканадаўства. (The parliament considered amendments to the legislation.)

Галасаванне (Halasavanne) — Voting
The act of formally expressing one’s choice or opinion in an election or policy decision-making process.
Грамадзяне прынялі ўдзел у галасаванні за новыя законы. (Citizens participated in the voting for new laws.)

Закон (Zakon) — Law
A system of rules developed and enforced by governmental or social institutions to regulate behavior.
Закон аб абароне дзікай прыроды ўступіў у сілу. (The law on the protection of wild nature has come into force.)

Канстытуцыя (Kanstyutsyya) — Constitution
The fundamental law in Belarus that defines the state system, the system of governance, and the rights and duties of its citizens.
Канстытуцыя Рэспублікі Беларусь з’яўляецца галоўным законам краіны. (The Constitution of the Republic of Belarus is the main law of the country.)

Дэпутат (Deputat) — Deputy (Member of Parliament)
A representative elected by the people to the legislative body of Belarus.
Дэпутат выступіў з прамовай у парламенце. (The deputy made a speech in parliament.)

Міністэрства (Ministerstva) — Ministry
A governmental department, headed by a minister, responsible for a specific sector of public administration.
Міністэрства фінансаў прадставіла новы бюджэт. (The Ministry of Finance presented a new budget.)

Грамадзянін (Hramadyanin) — Citizen
A person who legally belongs to a country and has the rights and protection of that country.
Кожны грамадзянін Беларусі мае права галасаваць. (Every citizen of Belarus has the right to vote.)

Understanding these terms will not only enhance your vocabulary but will also give you insight into the political framework of Belarus. Engaging in conversations about civic and governmental matters is an excellent way to practice your language skills and immerse yourself in the Belarusian culture.