Casa ESL · B2 Upper Intermediate · Unit 19 of 20 · Step 2
Political systems and complex sentence connectors
Name
Date
Vocabulary
authoritarian
adjectiveFavouring or enforcing strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom.
"Authoritarian regimes often suppress independent media."
accountability
nounThe obligation of an individual or organisation to account for their actions.
"Democratic institutions depend on the accountability of elected officials."
constitution
nounA body of fundamental principles according to which a state is governed.
"The constitution guarantees the right to free speech and assembly."
referendum
nounA direct vote by the electorate on a particular proposal or issue.
"The government called a referendum on the proposed constitutional amendment."
legitimacy
nounThe quality of being accepted as rightful and authoritative.
"Elections are the primary source of a government's legitimacy."
corruption
nounDishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power.
"Widespread corruption erodes public trust in democratic institutions."
plurality
nounThe state of being numerous or diverse; the largest share of votes.
"A healthy democracy depends on a plurality of viewpoints and voices."
dissent
nounThe expression of opinions that differ from those officially held.
"The right to dissent is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy."
Grammar Focus
Complex conditional connectors
Formal alternatives to 'if' add nuance to conditional statements. 'Provided (that)' / 'on condition (that)' = if and only if (a strict requirement). 'Assuming (that)' = if we take something to be true (a reasonable supposition). 'In the event that' = if something happens (a contingency, often for unlikely events). These are more common in formal, legal, and academic contexts.
The reform will succeed provided that all parties cooperate fully.
She agreed to testify on condition that her identity be protected.
Assuming that voter turnout remains high, the result should be decisive.
In the event that the president resigns, the vice president assumes power.
Exercises
Exercise 1
Complete each sentence with the most appropriate connector: provided that, on condition that, assuming that, or in the event that.
1. the election is declared invalid, a new vote must be held within sixty days.
2. The opposition agreed to join the coalition their key demands were met.
3. current trends continue, the party will win a comfortable majority.
4. Citizens will retain their rights the constitution is upheld.
5. The treaty will remain in force both nations honour their commitments.
Exercise 2
Choose the connector that best fits the meaning of each sentence.
1. The agreement holds ___ neither side uses military force.
2. ___ a constitutional crisis occurs, the supreme court has the final say.
3. She will share the documents ___ they are used only for research.
4. ___ the polls are accurate, the incumbent will lose.
5. The law will pass ___ at least two-thirds of parliament votes in favour.
Reading
The Fragility of Democracy
Democracy is often taken for granted, yet history shows that it is remarkably fragile. Provided that institutions remain strong and independent, democratic systems can endure for centuries. However, in the event that key safeguards — a free press, an independent judiciary, fair elections — are weakened, democratic backsliding can happen with alarming speed. In recent decades, several nations that were once considered stable democracies have drifted toward authoritarianism. Assuming that citizens remain engaged and vigilant, such erosion can be resisted. But when voter apathy takes hold and corruption goes unchecked, the foundations begin to crack. Political theorists argue that legitimacy rests on the consent of the governed, on condition that the government genuinely represents their interests. When that contract breaks down, dissent inevitably follows. The challenge of the twenty-first century is not simply to defend existing democracies but to strengthen them — provided that we are willing to confront uncomfortable truths about how power operates, who benefits, and who is left behind.
1. According to the passage, what conditions allow democracies to endure?
2. What does the passage suggest causes democratic backsliding?
Speaking
Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.
Writing
Write a paragraph (8–10 sentences) about the conditions needed for a fair election. Use at least three different complex conditional connectors (provided that, on condition that, assuming that, in the event that).
Example: A fair election is possible provided that all eligible citizens have equal access to the ballot. In the event that irregularities are detected, an independent body must have the authority to investigate. Assuming that the media reports accurately and impartially, voters can make informed decisions.
Answer Key — For Teacher Use
Exercise 1
1. In the event that · 2. on condition that · 3. Assuming that · 4. provided that · 5. provided that
Exercise 2
1. provided that · 2. In the event that · 3. on condition that · 4. Assuming that · 5. provided that
Reading Comprehension
1. Democracies can endure provided that institutions remain strong and independent, citizens remain engaged and vigilant, and key safeguards like a free press and fair elections are maintained. · 2. Democratic backsliding occurs when key safeguards are weakened, voter apathy takes hold, corruption goes unchecked, and the government no longer genuinely represents citizens' interests.