Мегаобучалка Главная | О нас | Обратная связь


MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT IN GREAT BRITAIN



2016-09-16 1481 Обсуждений (0)
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT IN GREAT BRITAIN 0.00 из 5.00 0 оценок




Each Member of Parliament (MP) represents one of 650 constituencies in the UK. British elections are usually fought between political parties, not individuals. Therefore, people who want to be elected to Parliament need to be nominated by one of the main political parties.

There is nothing to stop unconventional candidates from standing for election, however. A candidate has only to put down a deposit of 500 pounds and collect ten signatures from residents in the constituency where he wants to stand. A candidate who gets less than 5 per cent of the total votes loses his deposit. For somebody who is standing for election for publicity purposes, this is a small price to pay.

Although MPs will support a particular party, they are not controlled by that political party and theoretically do not have to vote with their party in Parliament. MPs represent everyone in the constituency, not just the people who voted for them.

A lot of MPs' work has nothing to do with voting in Parliament. There are hundreds of things MPs have to deal with in the day-to-day business of constituency life, such as housing or health care. MPs are there to help people and to try to make sure their rights under the law are not violated.

Some MPs hold an advice bureau in their constituencies, where people can go for advice. Anyone who feels that he has been unfairly treated by the central government can complain to their local MP who will do his best to see that the problem is solved.

Members of Parliament have been paid salaries since 1911. The rate has lately been nearly twice the average industrial worker's wages. Since 1965 the allowances for travel, living in London, and paying part-time secretaries and research assistants, have all been increased. Still many MPs insist that they need to have outside earnings, through journalism, work in law courts or business, to enable them to live up to the standard they expect.

 

Exercise 1. Answer the following questions:

1) How many Members of Parliament are there in Great Britain?

2) Who can be nominated as a Member of Parliament?

3) Are MP’s controlled by that political party they will support?

4) What are the duties of MP’s?

5) If a person has been unfairly treated by the central government, what can he do?

6) Are MP’s well paid?

Exercise 2. Find in the text English equivalents for the following word combinations:

обращаться за советом

баллотироваться

избирательный округ

выдвинуть свою кандидатуру от партии

собирать подписи

участвовать в избирательной кампании в рекламных целях

средняя зарплата

нарушать права

следить за чем-либо

Exercise 3. Explain the meaning of the following words and word combinations in italics:

1) There is nothing to stop unconventional candidates from standing for election.

2) For somebody who is standing for election for publicity purposes, this is a small price to pay.

3) Some MP’s hold an advice bureau in their constituencies, where people can go for advice.

4) Since 1965 the allowances for travel, living in London, and paying part-time secretaries and research assistants, have all been increased.

Exercise 4. Substitute the italicized words and word combinations for their synonyms.

1) Each Member of Parliament represents one of 650 constituencies in the UK.

2) .. people who want to be elected to Parliament need to be nominated by one of the main political parties.

3) MP’s are there to help people and to try to make sure their rights under the law are not violated.

4) A candidate has only to put down a deposit of 500 pounds and collect ten signatures from residents in the constituency where he wants to stand.

5) Still many MP’s insist that they need to have outside earnings, through journalism, work in law courts or business, to enable them to live up to the standard they expect.

Exercise 5. Fill in the gaps with articles where necessary.

1) … candidate has only to put down … deposit of 500 pounds and collect ten signatures from … residents in … constituency where he wants to stand.

2) … candidate who gets less than 5 per cent of … total votes loses … deposit.

3) There are … hundreds of … things … MP’s have to deal with in … day-to-day business of … constituency life, such as … housing or … health care.

4) … rate has lately been nearly twice … average industrial worker's wages.

 

Exercise 6. Translate the following sentences into English:

1) Число избираемых депутатов Палаты общин соответствует количеству избирательных округов. В настоящее время депутатский корпус составляет 650 членов.

2) Так как Палата общин играет главную роль в осуществлении функций парламента, её депутатов принято именовать «членами парламента».

3) Члены парламента не вправе одновременно избираться в Палату лордов, однако могут входить в состав правительства, которое формируется премьер-министром.

4) Любой гражданин имеет право выдвинуть свою кандидатуру для участия в выборах. Для этого необходимо собрать несколько подписей жителей соответствующего избирательного округа.

5) Некоторые кандидаты участвуют в выборах в рекламных целях. Обычно они набирают менее 5% от общего числа голосов.

6) Члены парламента обязаны представлять интересы всех жителей своего избирательного округа. Любой гражданин может обратиться за помощью к своему депутату, и тот обязан проследить за тем, чтобы проблема была решена.

 

ELECTIONS

Exercise 1. Complete the following text with the words and expressions from the list:

Election campaign, support, Polling Day, ballot box, vote, predict, opinion poll, polling station, candidate.

 

People sometimes try to (a) … the result of an election weeks before it takes place. Several hundred people are asked which party they prefer and their answers are used to guess the result of the coming election. This is called an (b) … . Meanwhile each party conducts its (c) … with meetings, speeches, television commercials, and party members going from door to door encouraging people to (d) … their party. In Britain everyone over 18 is eligible to (e) … . The place where people go to vote in an election is called a (f) … and the day of the election is often known as (g) … . The voters put their votes in a (h) … and later they are counted. The (i) … with the most votes is then declared the winner.

 

ELECTION TIMETABLE

The British government is elected for up to five years, unless it is defeated in Parliament on a major issue. The Prime Minister chooses the date of the next general election, but does not have to wait until the end of the five years. A time is chosen which will give as much advantage as possible to the political party in power. Other politicians and the newspapers try very hard to guess which date the Prime Minister will choose.

About a month before the election the Prime Minister meets a small group of close advisers to discuss the date which would best suit the party.

The date is announced to the Cabinet. The Prime Minister formally asks the Sovereign to dissolve Parliament.

Once Parliament is dissolved, all MPs are unemployed, but government officers continue to function.

Party manifestos are published and campaigning begins throughout the country, lasting for about three weeks with large-scale press, radio and television coverage.

Voting takes place on Polling Day (usually a Thursday). The results from each constituency are announced as soon as the votes have been counted, usually the same night. The national result is known by the next morning at the latest.

As soon as it is clear that one party has a majority of seats in the House of Commons, its leader is formally invited by the Sovereign to form a government.

Exercise 2. Answer the following questions:

1) What is an opinion poll?

2) Describe the voting procedure. Who is considered to be the winner?

3) When is the date for the next election appointed? Who chooses it?

4) Why is Parliament dissolved after the date is announced to the Cabinet?

5) What are the attributes of an election campaign?

6) How soon is the result of the election known?

7) Who forms a government after an election?

Exercise 3. Find in the text English equivalents for the following word combinations:

иметь право голосовать

всеобщие выборы

правящая партия

вопрос первостепенной важности

дать преимущество

сформировать правительство

широкое освещение в прессе

объявить дату выборов

объявить результаты выборов

иметь большинство мест

распустить парламент

потерпеть поражение

Exercise 4. Complete the following sentences:

1) The British government is elected for …, unless it is … .

2) … chooses the date of the next general election, but does not have to wait until the end of the five years.

3) About a month before the election the Prime Minister meets … to discuss … .

4) The Prime Minister formally asks the Sovereign to dissolve Parliament.

5) Voting takes place on … .

 

Exercise 5. Substitute the italicized words and word combinations for their synonyms.

1) In Britain everyone over 18 is eligible to vote.

2) A time is chosen which will give as much advantage as possible to the political party in power.

3) Party manifestos are published and campaigning begins throughout the country, lasting for about three weeks with large-scale press, radio and television coverage.

4) As soon as it is clear that one party has a majority of seats in the House of Commons, its leader is formally invited by the Sovereign to form a government.

Exercise 6. Fill in the gaps with articles where necessary.

Several hundred people are asked which party they prefer and their answers are used to guess … result of … coming election.

… candidate with … most votes is declared … winner.

… other politicians and … newspapers try very hard to guess which date … Prime Minister will choose.

… results from each constituency are announced as soon as … votes have been counted, usually … same night.

5) … national result is known by … next morning at … latest.

 

Exercise 7. Translate the following sentences into English:

1) Премьер-министр Великобритании Гордон Браун объявил 6 апреля 2010 года, что очередные всеобщие выборы в стране, по результатам которых будет сформирован новый парламент, пройдут 6 мая. Для того чтобы предсказать результаты выборов в настоящее время в стране проводятся опросы общественного мнения.

2) Согласно процедуре, премьер-министр провел консультации по поводу даты новых выборов с королевой Великобритании Елизаветой Второй, которая согласилась на роспуск парламента с 12 апреля и проведение выборов 6 мая. Данная стандартная процедура носит название "королевская декларация".

3) После того, как нынешний парламент прекратит свое существование, каждое место в Палате общин автоматически становится вакантным, а ее члены немедленно утрачивают все свои депутатские привилегии, становясь простыми подданными Соединенного Королевства. В период между объявлением о роспуске парламента и формированием нового состава понятия "депутат Палаты общин (MP)" не существует.

4) Роспуск парламента не подразумевает роспуска правительства - все ведомства на период избирательной кампании продолжают работать. Как правило, правительство в это время отказывается от громких политических заявлений и важных решений.

5) По британскому законодательству, максимальный парламентский срок составляет пять лет. Это означает, что премьер-министр может назначить новые парламентские выборы в любой момент в течение пяти лет, но не позднее этого срока.

6) Всеобщие выборы созываются по разным причинам. Помимо истечения срока работы парламента, глава кабинета может провести выборы в удобный для своей партии период, чтобы увеличить свой численный перевес в Палате общин.

 

POLITICAL PARTIES

The main parties in the UK are the Conservative party (right wing), the Labour party (left wing) and the Liberal Democrats (centre).

The Conservative party goes back to the Tories, or Royalists, who originated in King Charles' reign (1660-1685). The Tories were the party that supported Church and King; the other main party at the time were the Whigs, who were a group eager for political reform. The Tory party gave way to its successor, the Conservative party, in around 1830.

The Conservative party believes in free enterprise and the importance of a capitalist economy, with private ownership preferred to state control.

In 1899 the Trade Union Congress summoned a special conference of trade unions and socialist bodies to make plans to represent labour in Parliament. The proposal for such a meeting had come from Thomas Steels, a member of the Independent Labour party which had been formed in 1893. The conference met in February 1900 in London and has always been looked on as the foundation of the Labour party.

The Labour party believes that private ownership and enterprise should be allowed to flourish, but not at the expense of their traditional support of the public services.

There has been a Liberal party in Great Britain since 1868 when the name was adopted by the Whig party. The Whig party was created after the revolution of 1688 and aimed to subordinate the power of the Crown to that of Parliament and the upper classes. In 1981 a second centre party was created by 24 Labour MPs. It was called the Social Democratic party, and soon formed an alliance with the Liberal party. They formed a single party which became the Liberal Democrats after the 1987 election.

The Liberal Democrats believe that the state should have some control over the economy, but that there should be individual ownership.

Minor parties in the early 1990s included the Scottish Nationalist, Plaid Cymru (Welsh Nationalist), Ulster Unionist, Social Democratic, Communist, and Green parties. The Liberal party, which provided governments periodically for decades, lost electoral support and merged with dissidents from Labour and the Conservatives to form the Liberal Democrat party. In the general election of 1992, minor parties won 44 seats from the total of 651 in the House of Commons.

 

The Conservative party

The Conservative party is the oldest political party in Great Britain, which evolved as the successor to the Tory party in the 1830s. It is known in full as the Conservative and Unionist party. The party's tenets of conservatism include the continuance of monarchical parliamentary government. Until after the end of World War II in 1945 imperialism was also a major force in British conservatism. For decades Northern Ireland's major political party, the Ulster Unionist Organization, was an integral part of Britain's Conservative party, but that relationship has eroded considerably. The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Association also is related to the larger unit but has a separate existence.

The Conservative party today has three major elements: the National Union, comprising local constituency associations in England and Wales that screen prospective candidates and help get out the vote; the parliamentary party, made up of members of both houses of the British Parliament, including the chief whips; and the party headquarters, comprising a central office, numerous area offices, and a Conservative Research Office. The central office is responsible for maintaining efficiency in the national party organization.

The leader of the party is chosen, through a majority ballot process, by the Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs) and bears responsibility for policy and appointments. When the party is in power, the leader serves as prime minister and selects the cabinet ministers. When in opposition, the leader appoints the so-called shadow cabinet to be prepared for a return to power in the event of victory in a general election. With the expansion of suffrage, the party developed components to attract support from women, through the Primrose League; from youth, through the Young Conservatives; and from trade unionists, through the Tory Workingmen's groups.

The forebears of Conservatives were the Cavaliers of the 17th century and the Tories of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Conservative party was formed from various conservative associations established throughout England following the Reform Bill of 1832. This bill granted more parliamentary seats to industrial areas and lessened voting restrictions, resulting in a broader electorate. To attract these new voters, Sir Robert Peel, then the leader of the Tory party, adopted the name Conservative and broadened the Tory program.

The statesman Benjamin Disraeli further defined the party's liberal conservatism. He rallied landed interests, expanded party organization, and included appeals to trade unionists. The National Union of Conservative and Constitutional Associations was formed in 1867; it grew into the National Union of Conservative and Unionist Associations. Disraeli was instrumental in uniting, in 1872, the National Union and the Conservative central office. Despite his advocacy of social legislation, the Conservatives failed to win the election of 1880. After gaining support from the Liberal Unionist Members of Parliament in 1886, the Conservatives added the term unionist to the formal name of the party. That term has generally been used in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The Liberal party was the principal opposition to the Conservatives from 1832 until after the end of World War I in 1918. With its national or coalition governments during wartime and depression, the Liberals steadily lost popularity and the Labour party became the second major party in Britain. After two short periods in power, Labour won an overwhelming victory in May 1945. After undergoing a thorough reassessment of organization, policies, and campaign strategy, the Conservatives regained government leadership in the 1950s. Labour governed from 1964 to 1970 and from 1974 to 1979. Despite continued emphasis on private enterprise and the free market, Conservatives generally did not try to abrogate social legislation introduced while Labour held power. During the 1980s, however, the Conservative government of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher privatized many industries that had been nationalized by previous Labour governments. Thatcher vigorously pushed for market economy, private enterprise, and reduction of public regulations, as well as for strong ties with the United States. Her domestic policies became increasingly unpopular in 1990; she resigned in November and was succeeded by her protégé, John Major, who then led the party to victory in the parliamentary elections of April 1992.

 

The Labour party

The Labour party was organized in its present form in 1906. The party originated in 1900, when the Trades Union Congress at Plymouth adopted a resolution calling for a conference of trade unions, as well as socialistic, cooperative, and other labor bodies, to consider the problem of securing adequate parliamentary representation for labour. The conference, held in 1906, created a committee, known as the Labour Representation Committee, under the secretaryship of the British statesman James Ramsay MacDonald. Its objective was to secure the election of candidates identified with labour interests or to support candidates sympathetic to labour. The committee was composed primarily of representatives of the trade unions, but the Fabian Society and the Independent Labour party were each given one representative on the executive committee. In 1924 Labour formed a short-lived government from January to November. The party regained power in June 1929, but its leaders were absorbed into a coalition government in August 1931. This was followed by a series of governments formed by the Conservative party until the end of World War II.

The party leader Clement Attlee led Labour to a remarkable victory in May 1945. The Labour government immediately undertook a broad program of socialization. The Bank of England, the iron-and-steel industry, railroads, coal mines, and other industries were nationalized; legislation providing for a comprehensive, cradle-to-the-grave social security program was enacted. The most significant of the social programs was the establishment of the National Health Service. The Labour party remained in power following elections in February 1950, with a majority of only 10 seats. Emergence of a left-wing faction within the party weakened Prime Minister Attlee's tenuous control of Parliament. The popular support of Labour declined, enabling the Conservatives to win by a slim margin in the elections of October 1951. The Labour party, headed by Harold Wilson, regained control of the government by a margin of four seats in the elections of October 1964, and expanded its majority to 97 seats in the elections of 1966. Labour lost in 1970 and remained in opposition until March 1974, when a minority government was formed by Wilson. New elections in October gave the party a scant majority.

Wilson resigned both as party leader and prime minister in April 1976 and was succeeded by his foreign secretary, James Callaghan. The Callaghan government lasted until May 1979, when the Conservatives won elections after Labour had lost a no-confidence motion by one vote. In 1980 Callaghan retired as party chief; his successor was Michael Foot, a leader of the party's left wing. The following year, new rules for selection of the leader were adopted at the party conference. Labour unions, rather than local party organizations and Members of Parliament, secured the largest role in the selection process. This change split the party; four of its most respected members withdrew to form a new Social Democratic party. Divided by this defection and internal squabbles, Labour lost resoundingly in the general elections of June 1983. (A decisive British military victory in the Falkland Islands also played a major role in this election.) Foot then resigned the leadership post and was succeeded by Neil Kinnock.

In the late 1980s, with increasing tension within the Conservative government, the fortunes of Labour appeared to be rising, but the 1987 elections did not return the party to power. The replacement of Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in November 1990 by John Major reversed the upturn in Labour popularity, and Kinnock was succeeded by John Smith.

 

Exercise 1. Answer the following questions:

1) What political parties exit in Great Britain? Give their short characteristic.

2) How did the Conservative party start?

3) What was Benjamin Disraeli’s contribution to the development of the Conservative party?

4) What parties were the principal opposition to the Conservatives?

5) What can you say about the era of Margaret Thatcher?

6) What structure does the Conservative party have today?

7) How is the leader of the Conservative party chosen? What are his responsibilities?

8) When as the Labour party organized? How did it originate?

9) How did the Labour party develop from 1945 till 1976?

10) What role did the Labour party play in the political life of Great Britain in the 1980s?

Why did the party split?

11) Has Labour been in power since the government of John Major?

12) Which party is ruling now?

Exercise 2. Find in the text English equivalents for the following word combinations:

неотъемлемая часть

нести ответственность

избирательное право

ограничения

поддержка, защита

отменять, аннулировать

подвергаться чему-либо

представительство в парламенте

фракция

профсоюз

электорат

коалиционное правительство

уйти с поста

победить с небольшим преимуществом

вводить в действие

выходить (из партии)

Exercise 3. Explain the meaning of the following words and word combinations in italics:

1) The Conservative Party … evolved as the successor to the Tory party in the 1830s.

2) The party's tenets of conservatism include the continuance of monarchical parliamentary government.

3) For decades Northern Ireland's major political party, the Ulster Unionist Organization, was an integral part of Britain's Conservative party, but that relationship has eroded considerably.

4) The leader of the party is chosen, through a majority ballot process, by the Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs).

5) With the expansion of suffrage, the party developed components to attract support from women, … from youth, … from trade unionists…

6) This bill granted more parliamentary seats to industrial areas and lessened voting restrictions, resulting in a broader electorate.

7) legislation providing for a comprehensive, cradle-to-the-grave social security program was enacted.

8) Emergence of a left-wing faction within the party weakened Prime Minister Attlee's tenuous control of Parliament.

9) Divided by this defection and internal squabbles, Labour lost resoundingly in the general elections of June 1983.

Exercise 4. Complete the following sentences:

1) The main parties in the UK are … .

2) The Conservative party goes back to … .

3) The Tories were the party that supported …; the other main party at the time were …, who were a group eager for political reform.

4) The Tory party gave way to its successor, …, in around 1830.

5) The Conservative party believes in … .

6) The conference met in February 1900 in London and has always been looked on as … .

7) The Labour party believes … .

8) There has been a … in Great Britain since 1868 when the name was adopted by the Whig party.

9) The Whig party was created after the revolution of 1688 and aimed to … .

10) The Liberal Democrats believe … .

11) The Conservative party was formed from …throughout England following … .

12) To attract these new voters, Sir Robert Peel, then the leader of the Tory party, adopted the name … and broadened … .

13) Margaret Thatcher’s domestic policies became increasingly unpopular in …; she resigned in … and was succeeded by her protégé, …, who then led the party to victory in the parliamentary elections of … .

14) The Labour party was organized in its present form in … .

15) The party originated in …, when the Trades Union Congress at Plymouth adopted a resolution calling for …, to consider the problem of … .

16) The most significant of the social programs was … .

 

Exercise 5. Copy out from the text all the words that can be used with the following nouns (make up word combinations).

power

a party

a majority

control

to resign

 

Exercise 6. Fill in the gaps with articles where necessary.

1) … main parties in … UK are … Conservative party (right wing), … Labour party (left wing) and … Liberal Democrats (centre).

2) In 1899 … Trade Union Congress summoned … special conference of … trade unions and … socialist bodies to make … plans to represent … labour in … Parliament.

3) … Whig party was created after … revolution of 1688 and aimed to subordinate … power of … Crown to that of … Parliament and … upper classes.

4) They formed … single party which became … Liberal Democrats after … 1987 election.

5) … Conservative Party is … oldest political party in … Great Britain, which evolved as … the successor to … Tory party in … 1830s.

6) When in … opposition, … leader appoints … so-called shadow cabinet to be prepared for … return to … power in … event of … victory in … general election.

7) After gaining … support from … Liberal Unionist Members of … Parliament in 1886, … Conservatives added … term unionist to … formal name of … party.

8) After two short periods in … power, … Labour won … overwhelming victory in … May 1945.

9) During … 1980s, however, … Conservative government of … Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher privatized many industries that had been nationalized by … previous Labour governments.

10) … party regained … power in … June 1929, but its leaders were absorbed into … coalition government in … August 1931.

11) This was followed by … series of … governments formed by … Conservative party until … end of … World War II.

12) … party leader Clement Attlee led … Labour to … remarkable victory in … May 1945.

 

Exercise 7. Substitute the italicized words and word combinations for their synonyms.

1) The Conservative party today has three major elements: the National Union, comprising local constituency associations in England and Wales that screen prospective candidates and help get out the vote; the parliamentary party, made up of members of both houses of the British Parliament …

2) The central office is responsible for maintaining efficiency in the national party organization.

3) When the party is in power, the leader serves as prime minister and selects the cabinet ministers.

4) The forebears of Conservatives were the Cavaliers of the 17th century and the Tories of the 18th and 19th centuries.

5) He rallied landed interests, expanded party organization, and included appeals to trade unionists.

6) Despite his advocacy of social legislation, the Conservatives failed to win the election of 1880.

7) Thatcher vigorously pushed for market economy, private enterprise, and reduction of public regulations, as well as for strong ties with the United States.

8) Its objective was to secure the election of candidates identified with labour interests or to support candidates sympathetic to labour.

9) The popular support of Labour declined, enabling the Conservatives to win by a slim margin in the elections of October 1951.

10) Wilson resigned both as party leader and prime minister in April 1976 and was succeeded by his foreign secretary, James Callaghan.

11) This change split the party; four of its most respected members withdrew to form a new Social Democratic party.

 

Exercise 8. Translate the following sentences into English:

1) Основными политическими партиями Великобритании являются Лейбористская, Консервативная и Либерально-демократическая партии. Во время Второй мировой войны (1939–1945 гг.) правительство Великобритании состояло из представителей трех партий — фактически было коалиционным. Со времени окончания войны в 1945 г. основная роль принадлежит консерваторам и лейбористам, находящимся с тех пор у власти попеременно.

2) Лейбористская партия, являющаяся в настоящее время правящей партией Соединенного Королевства, находится у власти с 1997 года. Лидер партии – премьер-министр Великобритании Гордон Браун. Лейбористская партия была образована в начале ХХ века при активном участии представителей рабочего движения. Профсоюзы по-прежнему продолжают играть заметную роль в партии.

3) Молодое поколение лейбористов во главе с Тони Блэром, Питером Манделсоном и Гордоном Брауном в середине 1990-х годов разработало идеологию "нового лейборизма". Партия отказалась от социалистических идей и стала левоцентристской, начав борьбу за избирателей английского среднего класса. Это сказалось на росте рейтингов партии, и в 1997 году лейбористы получили рекордное за всю историю количество мандатов (418) и абсолютное большинство (в 179 мест) в Палате общин.

4) Лейбористы выступают за сохранение необходимой роли государства в экономике, ликвидацию общественного неравенства, поддержку социальных программ в области образования, здравоохранения и борьбу с безработицей и активную европейскую интеграцию.

5) На всеобщих парламентских выборах в 2005 году лейбористы получили абсолютное большинство в парламенте. Тони Блэр стал первым лидером лейбористов, который привел партию к победе на выборах три раза подряд.

6) Консервативная партия, также известная как "тори" (по названию старинной партии, из которой выросли современные консерваторы), с 1997 года является крупнейшей оппозиционной партией Соединенного Королевства. Лидер Лидер партии – глава "теневого" кабинета министров Дэвид Кэмерон.

7) На выборах 2005 года консерваторы набрали 32,3% голосов избирателей и получили 192 места в Палате общин, вновь став официальной оппозицией Ее Величества. Под руководством Дэвида Кэмерона партия провела ребрендинг, сделав своим символом зеленое дерево, как символ приверженности партии экологическим вопросам.

8) Главными пунктами программы консерваторов является сокращение финансирования социальных программ и роли государства в экономике, более ответственное расходование государственных средств, поощрение частной предпринимательской инициативы.

9) Либерал-демократическая партия – третья по величине и влиянию политическая партия Великобритании. Название часто сокращается до слова "либдемы" (Lib Dems). Лидер партии – Ник Клегг. Либерал-демократическая партия была образована в 1988 году в результате объединения Либеральной и Социал-демократической партий. В британском политическом спектре "либдемы" занимают наиболее центристскую позицию с небольшим уклоном влево. В программе партии сильна экологическая и проевропейская составляющая, они выступают за выборность Палаты лордов, в экономике – за меньшее вмешательство государства.

 

THE ROYAL FAMILY

The Sovereign

"Her Most Excellent Majesty Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith."

The Queen is the official Head of State and, for many people, a symbol of the unity of the nation. For a thousand years England (and later the whole of the United Kingdom) has been united under one sovereign, a continuity broken only after the Civil War, by the republic of 1649 to 1660. The hereditary principle still operates and the Crown is passed on to the sovereign's eldest son (or daughter if there are no sons).

The Queen has a central role in state affairs, not only through her ceremonial functions, such as opening Parliament, but also because she meets the Prime Minister every week and receives copies of all Cabinet papers. However, she is expected to be impartial or "above politics", and any advice she may offer the Prime Minister is kept secret. Though the Queen is really a figurehead representing the country she has the power to prevent any politician from establishing a dictatorship.

Functions of the Sovereign:

- opening and closing Parliament;

- approving the appointment of the Prime Minister;

- giving her Royal Assent to bills;

- giving honors such as peerages, knighthoods and medals;

- Head of the Commonwealth;

- Head of the Church of England.

The Royal Family

Many members of the royal family undertake official duties in Britain and abroad. Their various responsibilities reflect tradition, their own personal interests and Britain's former imperial status. For example, among her many titles the Princess Royal (Princess Anne) is Chancellor of the University of London, Colonel-in-Chief of eleven Army regiments, including the 8th Canadian Hussars and the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps, and President of the Save the Children Fund, for whom she has travelled widely.

The royal family’s money comes from two sources: government funds and their own personal wealth, which is considerable. On the one hand, the Queen is certainly one of the richest women in the world, while, on the other, her power is limited by the fact that so many of her expenses are paid for by government money. Parliament has had effective control of the monarch's finances since the seventeenth century.

The Queen and her family are a symbol that people can identify with. The British public is obsessed with the details of the royal family life, and when people feel that the Queen has problems with her children, or her sister, they see her as a "real person" with the same worries and anxieties as themselves.

The monarchy has not always been popular. During the late 19th century there was a growing republican sentiment, but the personality and family image of the Queen, her father and grandfather have removed that feeling. The Queen is probably the wealthiest woman in the world, most of the money coming from family investments rather than the state. Her state salary (the Civil List) pays for her servants and transport. In recent years the Queen has become a roving ambassador for Britain, and if we calculate the increase in trade after a royal visit abroad, the nation probably makes a profit from her activities, and that does not take into account the income from tourism in Britain generated by the monarchy and great state events such as royal weddings.

Just how popular is she? In the late 1980s a newspaper conducted an opinion poll. People were asked, "If there were no monarchy, who would you vote for as President?" More than 80 per cent chose the Queen. Prince Charles came second, closely followed by his father, Prince Philip. The prime minister of the day was the fourth - with 2 per cent of the votes.

 

Exercise 1. Answer the following questions:

1) What is the Queen’s full title?

2) What role does the Queen play in the life of the British nation?

3) Who usually succeeds to the Crown?

4) What are the functions of the Sovereign?

5) Do members of the royal family undertake official duties?

6) What are the sources of the royal family’s income? Does Parliament have control of the monarch's finances?

7) What is the British public’s attitude towards the Queen?

8) Has the monarchy always been popular?

9) How does the Queen contribute to the nation’s profit?

10) How popular is the Queen?

 

Exercise 2. Find in the text English equivalents for the following word combinations:

номинальный глава государства

установить диктатуру

беспристрастный/объективный

источник дохода

принимать во внимание

Exercise 3. Explain the meaning of the following words and word combinations in italics:

1) However, she is expected to be impartial or "above politics", and any advice she may offer the Prime Minister is kept secret.

2) Though the Queen is really a figurehead representing the country she has the power to prevent any politician from establishing a dictatorship.

3) The British public is obsessed with the details of the royal family life, and when people feel that the Queen has problems with her children, or her sister, they see her as a "real person" with the same worries and anxieties as themselves.

4) … the nation probably makes a profit from her activities, and that does not take into account the income from tourism in Britain generated by the monarchy and great state events such as royal weddings.

 

Exercise 4. Complete the following sentences:

1) The hereditary principle still operates and the Crown is passed on to … .

2) The royal family’s various responsibilities in Britain and abroad reflect … .

3) On the one hand, the Queen is certainly one of the richest women in the world, while, on the other, … .

4) The Queen and her family are a symbol that people can … .

5) The Queen is probably the wealthiest woman in the world, most of the money coming from family investments rather than … .

6) The Queen’s state salary (the Civil List) pays for … .

7) "If there were no monarchy, who would you vote for as President?" More than 80 per cent chose … . Prince Charles came second, closely followed by his father, … .

 

Exercise 5. Fill in the gaps with articles where necessary.

1) … Queen is … official Head of … State and, for many people, … symbol of … unity of … nation.

2) … Parliament has had … effective control of … monarch's finances since … seventeenth century.

3) In … recent years … Queen has become … roving ambassador for … Britain.

4) In … late 1980s … newspaper conducted … opinion poll.

5) … prime minister of … day was … fourth - with 2 per cent of … votes.

Exercise 6. Translate the following sentences into English:

1) Британская монархия живет и процветает уже много столетий. Это старейший институт управления Соединенного Королевства.

2) Елизавета II происходит из Виндзорской династии. Она царствует более сорока лет, выполняя роль конституционного монарха. Это означает, что, хотя королева официально является главой всех трех ветвей власти, фактически страной управляют министры, ответственные перед парламентом.

3) Елизавета II является главой Британского Содружества наций и, помимо Великобритании, королевой еще 15 независимых государств. Она является также главой англиканской церкви и верховным главнокомандующим вооруженными силами Великобритании.

Eleven things the Queen takes on journeys:

1. Her feather pillows.

2. Her hot water bottle.

3. Her favourite China tea.

4. Cases of Malvernwater.

5. Barley sugar.

6. Cameras.

7. Her monogrammed electric kettle.

8. Her toilet soap.

9. A special white kid lavatory seat.

10. Jewelry associated with the countries she is visiting.

11. Mourning clothes and black-edged writing paper in case of bereavements.

The Queen's particular likes:

1. Horse racing ("Were it not for my Archbishop of Canterbury, I should be off in my plane to Longchamps every Sunday").

2. Scottish country dancing.

3. Jigsaw puzzles.

4. Long-stemmed, deep-pink carnations.

5. Champagne.

6. Deerstalking.

7. Quiet evenings at home watching television with her supper on a tray.

8. Crossword puzzles.

9. Bright red dresses.

10. The Beatles film "Yellow Submarine".

Dislikes of the Queen:

1. Ivy.

2. Snails ("How can you like those beastly things?" she asked Prince Philip).

3. Tennis, including Wimbledon.

4. Milk pudding.

5. The cold.

6. Grouse.

7. Any talk of Edward VIII.

8. Charles Dickens.

9. Dictating letters.

10. Cigar smoke.

11. Sailing.

12. Listening to after-dinner speeches.

HISTORICAL CHART

The chart covers the most important periods of British history. It shows the chief inhabitants or invaders of England until the Middle Ages, then the royal houses and the rulers of Britain.

 

The Celts 900 B.C. – 55 B.C.

The Romans 55 B.C. – 450 A.D.

The Anglo-Saxons 450 – 1066

The Vikings 8th – 11th centuries

The Normans 1066 – 1154

William the Conqueror 1066 – 1087

 

The Plantagenets 1154 – 1399 Henry II (1154 – 1189)

Richard I («Coeur de Lion») (1189–1199)

John («Lackland») (1199 – 1216)

Henry III (1216 – 1272)

Edward I (1272 – 1307)

Edward II (1307 – 1327)

Edward III (1327 – 1377)

Richard II (1377 – 1399)

The Houses of York

and Lancaster 1399 – 1485 Henry IV (1399 – 1413)

Henry V (1413 – 1422)

Henry VI (1422 – 1461)

Edward IV (1461 – 1483)

Richard III (1483 – 1485)

 

The Tudors 1485 – 1603 Henry VII (1485 – 1509)

Henry VIII (1509 – 1547)

Edward VI (1547 – 1553)

Mary I («Bloody Mary») (1553–1558) Elizabeth I (1558 – 1603)

 

The Stuarts 1603 – 1649 James I (1603 – 1625)

Charles I (1625 – 1649)

 

The Republic 1649 – 1660 Oliver Cromwell (1649 – 1658)

 

The Stuarts 1660 – 1714 William III and Mary II (1689 – 1702)

 

The Hanoverians 1714 – 1901 George I (1714 - 1727)

George II (1727 -1760)

George III (1760 - 1820)

George IV (1820 - 1830)

William IV (1830 – 1837)

Victoria (1837 – 1901)

(«Victorian period»)

 

The House of Saxe-

Coburg 1901 – 1910 Edward VII (1901 – 1910)

(«Edwardian period»)

 

The House of Windsor 1910 – George V (1910 – 1936)

George VI (1936 – 1952)

Elizabeth II (1952 - )

 

REVISION



2016-09-16 1481 Обсуждений (0)
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT IN GREAT BRITAIN 0.00 из 5.00 0 оценок









Обсуждение в статье: MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT IN GREAT BRITAIN

Обсуждений еще не было, будьте первым... ↓↓↓

Отправить сообщение

Популярное:
Почему люди поддаются рекламе?: Только не надо искать ответы в качестве или количестве рекламы...
Как распознать напряжение: Говоря о мышечном напряжении, мы в первую очередь имеем в виду мускулы, прикрепленные к костям ...



©2015-2020 megaobuchalka.ru Все материалы представленные на сайте исключительно с целью ознакомления читателями и не преследуют коммерческих целей или нарушение авторских прав. (1481)

Почему 1285321 студент выбрали МегаОбучалку...

Система поиска информации

Мобильная версия сайта

Удобная навигация

Нет шокирующей рекламы



(0.011 сек.)