The Political System of Great Britain

 

Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II. The queen reigns, but does not rule.

The legislative power in the country is exercised by Parliament. Parliament makes the laws of Great Britain. It consists of the queen, the House of Commons, and the House of Lords.

The House of Commons is Britain’s real governing body. It has 650 members, elected by the people. Members of the House of Commons have no fixed terms. They are chosen in a general election, which must be held at least every five years. But an election may be called anytime, and many Parliaments do not last five years. Almost all British citizens 18 years old or older may vote.

The House of Lords is the upper house of Parliament. It was once the stronger house, but today has little power. It can delay – but never defeat – any bill. The House of Lords has about 1170 members. The people do not elect them. The House of Lords is composed of hereditary and life peers and peeresses. Their right to sit in the House passes, with their title, usually to their oldest sons.

The prime minister is usually the leader of the political party that has the most seats in the House of Commons. The monarch appoints the prime minister after each general election. The monarch asks the prime minister to form a Government. The prime minister selects about 100 ministers. From them, he picks a special group to make up the Cabinet.

The Cabinet usually consists of about 20 ministers. The ministers of the more important departments, such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Home Office, are named to every Cabinet.

The government draws up most bills and introduces them in Parliament. The queen must approve all bills passed by Parliament before they can become laws. Although the queen may reject a bill, no monarch has since the 1700’s.

Law courts of Great Britain operate under three separate legal system – one for England and Wales, one for Northern Ireland, and one for Scotland. In all three systems, the House of Lords is the highest court of appeal in civil cases. It is also the highest court of appeal in criminal cases, except in Scotland. The queen appoints all British judges on the advice of the government.

Political parties are necessary to British’s system of government. The chief political parties in Britain today are the Conservative Party and the Labour Party. The Conservative Party developed from the Tories, and has been supported by wealthy people as well as professional people and farmers. The Labour Party has been supported by skilled and unskilled workers, especially union members.

The Constitution of Great Britain is not one document. Much of it is not even in writing, and so the country is said to have an unwritten constitution. Some of the written parts of Britain’s Constitution come from laws passed by Parliament. Some – from such old documents as Magna Carta, which limited the king’s power. Other written parts come from common law, a body of laws based on people’s customs and beliefs, and supported in the courts.

 

 

Упр.№1. Ответьте на вопросы.

1. Is Great Britain a monarchy?

2. Who is the head of state in Great Britain?

3. What body is the legislative power in Great Britain exercised by?

4. What does the British Parliament consist of?

5. How many members has the House of Commons?

6. Has the House of Lords strong power?

7. Are the members of the House of Lords elected?

8. Does the monarch or the prime minister form the government?

9. How many ministers are there in the Cabinet?

10. What body draws up bills?

11. What body is the highest court of appeal?

12. What political parties are there in Great Britain today?

 

 

Критерии оценивания

11-12 грамматически правильных предложений – 5 (отлично)

9-10 грамматически правильных предложений – 4 (хорошо)

7-8 грамматически правильных предложений – 3 (удовлетворительно)

Менее 7 грамматически правильных предложений – 2 (неудовлетворительно)

 

Контрольная работа

Внесите ответы в бланк.

 

Критерии оценивания

Наличие 0-2 ошибок - 5 (отлично)

Наличие 3-6 ошибок - 4 (хорошо)

Наличие 7-10 ошибок - 3 (удовлетворительно)

Наличие 10 и более ошибок - 2 (неудовлетворительно)

 

Выполнение упражнений.

Прочитайте и переведите текст. Выполните упражнение № 1.

What are their traditions?

 

Great Britain

Some English customs and traditions are famous all over the world. Tea and talking about the weather, for example. England is a land rich with traditions ranging from wassailing to special holiday events and superstitions.

In Great Britain there is no written constitution, only customs, traditions and precedents. Traditionally the Queen reigns but does not rule.

 

English people have traditions not only in political, but in social life. They like to spend their free time in pubs where they can have a glass of beer and talk about different things with their friends.

A typical feature of an English house is a fireplace, even when there is central heating in the house. Many families have pets — a dog, a cat or a bird.

Politeness is a characteristic feature of English people. They often say "Thank you", "Sorry",

"Beg your pardon".

Australia

Many Australians come together on St Patrick's Day to celebrate Irish culture and remember St Patrick. Some organizations hold St Patrick's Day breakfasts and lunches where lucky draw prizes are given and Irish food and drinks are served. On St Patrick's Day parades people wear traditional Irish costumes or dress in green.

Ireland

Many families prepare their homes for Easter Sunday by doing "spring cleaning" to prepare the house for blessing by the local priest which is a religious ceremony that dates back hundreds of years.

Canada

Canadian culture reflects a heavy influence of British, American and Aboriginal culture and traditions. For example, according to Canadian prairie etiquette, if a neighbour brings you a plate of food, you must return the plate dirty; washing it will bring bad luck.

New Zealand

Church weddings are the most traditional marriage celebrations in New Zealand.

According to custom, the groom should not see the bride before she joins him at the front of the church on their wedding day. The Maori wedding ceremony is conducted by a tribal elder and the couple is blessed in the Maori language. Wedding rings made of carved bone are also popular amongst those wishing to include the ancient culture in their wedding.

 

Упр.№1. Установите, верны ли данные утверждения. Скорректируйте неверные согласно информации в тексте. Прочтите вслух.

 

1. All English traditions are famous all over the world. ________________________________________________________________

2. Wassailing is a kind of English superstition. ________________________________________________________________

3. According to the British constitution the Queen reigns but does not rule. ________________________________________________________________

4. English people like to spend their free time at home. ________________________________________________________________

5. You can find fireplaces in English houses where there is no central heating. ________________________________________________________________

6. British people are very polite. _____________________________________

7. Many Irish people come to Australia to celebrate St Patrick's Day. ________________________________________________________________

8. Many Australian families do "spring cleaning" on Easter Day. ________________________________________________________________

9. In New Zealand all the wedding ceremonies should be conducted in accordance with Maori customs. ________________________________________________________

10. Canadian culture reflects an influence of Australian traditions. ________________________________________________________________

 

Критерии оценивания

9-10 верных ответов – 5 (отлично)

7-8 верных ответов – 4 (хорошо)

5-6 верных ответов - 3 (удовлетворительно)

0-4 верных ответов – 2 (неудовлетворительно)

Устный ответ.

 

Используя план ответа и дополнив его своей информацией, озвучьте монолог.

 

 

I really love...It's my favourite holiday.

I enjoy celebrating it because...

Truly speaking, I don't like the tradition of... because...

To my mind the most mysterious holiday is...

I think that...(St Valentine's Day etc) is a good way to...

Personally I would never eat... I prefer to have...

 

Критерии оценивания

Ответ по плану с дополненной информацией, без ошибок – 5 (отлично)

Ответ по плану с дополненной информацией, с 1-2 ошибками – 4 (хорошо)

Ответ по плану с дополненной информацией, с 3-4 ошибками - 3 (удовлетворительно)

Ответ по плану без дополненной информации – 2 (неудовлетворительно)

 

 

Публичное выступление.

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7-8 грамматически правильных предложений – 4 (хорошо)

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Менее 5 грамматически правильных предложений – 2 (неудовлетворительно)