This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Politics, Government & Authority. Collocations are fixed word pairings that native speakers expect — Cambridge examiners test them in Use of English Part 1 and reward precise lexis in Writing. Run through the interactive drills first, then open this glossary to revise every item in the set. For question-by-question feedback, use Review mode after you finish the session.
obtain permission
Organisers must obtain permission before closing the public square.
absolutely essential
A clear legal framework is absolutely essential for public trust.
adhere to standards
Public agencies must adhere to standards of fairness and transparency.
launch a counter-attack
The opposition prepared to launch a counter-attack on the proposal during debate.
give permission
Only the relevant authority can give permission for the event.
power cut
The emergency session was delayed by a power cut at the town hall.
lift a blockade
Mediators urged both sides to lift a blockade on humanitarian supplies.
have an obligation
Public bodies have an obligation to explain major decisions.
tighten controls
The government plans to tighten controls on public procurement.
leading authority
The committee consulted a leading authority on constitutional law.
satisfy the requirements
The proposal must satisfy the requirements set by the regulator.
put in an application
The community group will put in an application for the grant.
hold public office
Candidates who hold public office must disclose relevant interests.
withdraw troops
The government agreed to withdraw troops after the mission ended.
seek permission
The organisers must seek permission to use the public park.
deploy troops
The government decided to deploy troops to support emergency logistics.
abandon a policy
The government agreed to abandon a policy that had failed to reduce costs.
pass a bill
Parliament may pass a bill after the final debate.
hold a demonstration
Campaigners plan to hold a demonstration outside the town hall.
grant permission
The minister may grant permission once safety checks are complete.
mislead the electorate
The minister was accused of misleading the electorate.
fragile peace
Negotiators tried to protect the fragile peace after the ceasefire.
exercise authority
Local councils exercise authority over many planning decisions.
public spending
The budget sets limits on public spending for the next year.
pass laws
Elected representatives pass laws that affect everyday life.
restore peace
Local leaders met to restore peace after the dispute.
stockpile weapons
Observers warned that both sides continued to stockpile weapons despite the talks.
adhere to a philosophy
The party continues to adhere to a philosophy of local decision-making.
overwhelming majority
The bill passed with an overwhelming majority in the assembly.
bitter enemy
For years, he was regarded as a bitter enemy of the reform.