Phrasal Verbs for IELTS: Government

Created by Prepma

Created a month ago

step down

Definition

To resign from an official position or leave a role of authority.

Examples

The minister was forced to step down after the corruption scandal.
Public pressure can make senior officials step down when trust has been damaged.

1 / 12

step down
To resign from an official position or leave a role of authority.
Examples
- The minister was forced to step down after the corruption scandal.
- Public pressure can make senior officials step down when trust has been damaged.
vote in
To elect a person or party into office.
Examples
- Citizens may vote in a new government when they are dissatisfied with the economy.
- Young voters helped vote in a reform-minded mayor.
vote out
To remove a politician or party from office through an election.
Examples
- Voters can vote out leaders who fail to deliver basic public services.
- A democratic system allows citizens to vote out corrupt representatives.
turn out
To attend or participate, especially by voting in an election.
Examples
- Young people are less likely to turn out unless they feel politics affects their lives.
- High numbers of voters turned out despite heavy rain.
back down
To stop defending a position or demand because of pressure or opposition.
Examples
- The minister refused to back down after criticism from opposition parties.
- Governments sometimes back down when public protests become too intense.
set up
To create or establish an organisation, committee, system, or process.
Examples
- The parliament set up a committee to review the new bill.
- Governments often set up inquiry panels after major public failures.
look into
To investigate or examine a problem, complaint, or allegation.
Examples
- The commission will look into allegations of electoral malpractice.
- Authorities should look into complaints about police misconduct.
cover up
To hide wrongdoing, mistakes, or embarrassing information.
Examples
- Officials were accused of trying to cover up evidence of corruption.
- A free press makes it harder for governments to cover up abuse of power.
open up
To make a system, process, or society more accessible, transparent, or participatory.
Examples
- Digital tools can open up government data to ordinary citizens.
- Political reform may open up decision-making to wider public consultation.
shut down
To close, stop, or silence an organisation, service, protest, or discussion.
Examples
- Authoritarian regimes may shut down independent media during elections.
- Authorities should not shut down peaceful protest without a clear legal basis.
stand up for
To defend or support a person, principle, or right.
Examples
- Democratic leaders should stand up for civil liberties.
- Citizens may join campaigns to stand up for minority rights.
come up against
To face opposition, resistance, or a serious difficulty.
Examples
- Reformers often come up against powerful vested interests.
- New policies can come up against legal challenges and public resistance.