Casa · B2 Upper Intermediate · Lesson 19 of 20 · Step 2

Democracy & Power

Political systems and complex sentence connectors

Use advanced conditional connectors: provided that, on condition that, assuming that, in the event that
Distinguish formal conditional connectors from everyday 'if'
Discuss democratic systems, governance, and political power

Words · tap a card to see it used

Grammar

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 · type, then check

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.

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.

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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 · say it out loud, with a partner or alone

1Debate: 'A government should be allowed to limit individual freedoms in the event that national security is threatened.' Argue for or against, using complex conditional connectors.

2Discuss: What conditions are necessary for a democracy to function well? Use connectors such as 'provided that' and 'assuming that' to express your ideas precisely.

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).

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