Matthew Hanzel

Sometimes, in many popular writings, a number of metonyms are used in substitute to certain political, or governmental institutions. Here are some of the most popularly-used political metonyms, in which most you may have heard more than once.

China, People’s Republic of

• Zhongnanhai: Literally meaning ‘central (and) southern sea’, Zhongnanhai is a governmental compound located in Beijing, as typically used to refer to the Chinese central government.

Indonesia

• Istana: Literally meaning ‘palace’, the word refers to the Istana Negara, the State Palace of the Republic of Indonesia, and refers to the executive branch of the Indonesian government.
• Senayan: A territory of the Indonesian capital Jakarta where the National Parliament Building is located, the word Senayan is used to refer to the legislative branch of the Indonesian government.
• Gedung Bundar: Literally meaning ’round building’, this seldom-used phrase is used to refer to the judiciary branch of the Indonesian government, in which the National Prosecutor’s Office is located.

Korea, Republic of

• Blue House: The official residence of the South Korean president, Blue House is used to refer to the executive branch of the South Korean government.

Philippines, The

• Malacañang: The official residence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Malacañang is used to refer to the executive branch of the Philippine government.

Russian Federation

• Kremlin: The well-known governmental complex located at Moscow, Kremlin is used to refer to the Russian government.

United Kingdom

• Downing Street: The official residence of the UK Prime Minister (Downing Street 10), this phrase is used to refer to the executive branch of the British government.

United States

• White House: Referring to the official residence and office of the President of the United States, White House is used for the executive branch of the United States government.
• Capitol: Referring to the Capitol Building at Washington, D.C., Capitol is used for the legislative branch of the United States government.
• Pentagon: Referring to the Pentagon building at Virginia, Pentagon is used to refer to the defense branch of the United States government, including the Department of Defense.