Learning a new language includes understanding the vocabulary related to various aspects of life, with government and politics being no exception. In this article, we will explore key Portuguese terms that will help you discuss and understand political topics in Portuguese-speaking countries.

Governo – Government
This is the organization, or group of individuals, that governs and makes decisions for a state or country.
O governo brasileiro anunciou novas políticas econômicas.

Política – Politics
Refers to the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power.
Ela sempre se interessou por política.

Partido político – Political party
An organized group of people with similar political aims and opinions that seeks to influence public policy by getting its candidates elected to public office.
Ele se filiou a um partido político progressista.

Democracia – Democracy
A system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting.
A democracia é essencial para a participação popular no governo.

Ditadura – Dictatorship
A form of government in which a dictator has complete power.
Aquele país viveu muitos anos sob uma ditadura.

Eleições – Elections
A formal group decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold public office.
As próximas eleições acontecerão em outubro.

Presidente – President
The head of state in a republic.
O presidente fará um discurso à nação esta noite.

Primeiro-ministro – Prime Minister
The head of an elected government; the principal minister of a sovereign or state.
O primeiro-ministro discutiu planos econômicos com seu gabinete.

Legislação – Legislation
Laws, considered collectively.
A nova legislação ambiental foi aprovada com amplo apoio.

Parlamento – Parliament
The highest legislature, consisting of the sovereign, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons.
O parlamento discutirá a proposta de lei amanhã.

Constituição – Constitution
The system of beliefs and laws by which a country, state, or organization is governed.
A constituição brasileira foi promulgada em 1988.

Deputado – Deputy or Congressman
A member of the lower house of a legislative assembly.
O deputado propôs uma emenda ao projeto de lei.

Senador – Senator
A member of the Senate or upper chamber of a legislative assembly.
O senador defendeu políticas de saúde pública durante a sessão.

Voto – Vote
A formal indication of choice between two or more candidates or courses of action, expressed typically through a ballot.
O seu voto é importante para o futuro do país.

Candidato – Candidate
A person who applies for a job or is nominated for election.
O número de candidatos à presidência aumentou este ano.

Campanha eleitoral – Electoral campaign
An organized effort which seeks to influence the decision making progress within a specific group.
A campanha eleitoral começa oficialmente em agosto.

Learning these terms will provide you with a foundation to participate in discussions or to better understand the news and literature focused on government and politics. Keep these terms in mind as you continue to immerse yourself in the Portuguese language, and you’ll be conversing about political matters with confidence in no time.