II. Find the words as they occur together n the text.

English for future lawyers

 

Для студентов среднего профессионального образования

всех специальностей

 

Таганрог 2020

 

UK POLITICAL SYSTEM

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a constitutional monarchy. This means that Great Britain is governed by Parliament and the Queen is Head of State.

The legislative power in the country is exercised by the Houses of Parliament. The British Parliament consists of two chambers: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The House of Lords is composed of hereditary and life peers and peeresses. The members of the House of Commons are elected by the people. They are elected from the constituencies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The House of Commons is the real governing body of the United Kingdom.

The executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. The government is usually formed by the political party which is supported by the majority in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister is the majority party leader and is appointed by the Queen. The Prime Minister chooses a team of ministers; twenty of the ministers are in the Cabinet. The second largest party becomes the official opposition with its own leader and the Shadow Cabinet. The two leading parties in Great Britain are the Conservative Party (the Tories) and the Labour Party.

The judiciary branch of the government determines common law and is independent both of the legislative and the executive branches. There is no written constitution in Great Britain, only precedents and traditions.

 

Vocabulary notes:

a constitutional monarchy - конституционная монархия

the Queen - королева

Head of State - глава государства

the legislative power - законодательная власть

to be exercised by - осуществляться (чём-л.)

the Houses of Parliament - парламент

the House of Lords - палата лордов

the House of Commons - палата общин

to be composed of smth - состоять из чего-л.

hereditary and life peers - наследственные и пожизненные лорды и пэры

a peeress - пэресса

to be elected by the people - избираться народом

to be elected from a constituency - избираться от избирательного округа

the real governing body- реальный правящий орган

the executive power - исполнительная власть

Prime Minister - премьер-министр

the Cabinet - кабинет

to be supported by the majority - поддерживаться большинством

to be appointed by - назначаться (кем-л.)

to choose a team of ministers - создавать команду министров

the Shadow Cabinet - теневой кабинет

the judiciary branch of the government - судебная власть

to determine common law - определять общее право

to be independent of smth - не зависеть от чего-л.

 

I. Make up words.

1. Consti 2. judi 3. heredi 4. exe 5. deter 6. legi 7. constitu 8. indepen

a. tary b. slative c. dent d. tuency e. tional f. ciary g. cutive h. mine

II. Find the words as they occur together n the text.

1. House of 2. branch of 3. Head of 4. Prime 5. Common 6. governing 7. life 8. Shadow

a. body b. Commons c. Law d. peers e. the government f. State g. Minister h. Cabinet

 

III. Correct mistakes.

Parlament manarky goverment judishiary egzecutive

pauer magoriti konstituensy ledgislativ

V. Answer the questions.

1. What does the term "constitutional monarchy" mean?

2. What body exercises the legislative power in the country?

3. How are the chambers of Parliament composed?

4. What body exercises the executive power?

5. How is the executive branch of the government formed?

6. What is the official opposition?

7. What does the judiciary branch of the government do?

8. Is there a written Constitution in Great Britain?

 

PRESENT SIMPLE

1. Complete the sentences with the verb in the correct form.

1 Children ask a lot of questions. (ask)

2 You always...........................my birthday. (forget)

3 She never...........................to me. (listen)

4 The village shop............at 8 o'clock in the morning. (open)

5 We...........................her a diary every year. (give)

6 He...........................Arabic. (understand)

 

2. Complete the sentences with the verb in the correct form.

1 She.. goes.. to college on her bike. (go)

2 She..................very hard at the weekends. (study)

3 My father..................television most evenings. (watch)

4 I often..................at the cinema. (cry)

5 She..................a lot of homework in the evenings. (do)

6 You..................language very well. (teach)

 

3. Add do or does to make questions and do, don't, does or doesn't to make short answers.

1 Does she live with her parents?' 'Yes, she .. does..'.

2 Do ... you like your job?' No, I.. don’t.. ..:

3..........I speak Italian well?' 'Yes, you...............

4..........you drive to work?' 'No, I...................'

5..........they work hard at university?' 'Yes, they ……..

6..........Alan smoke?" 'No, he...................'

7..........your sister visit you very often?" 'Yes, she……

8..........we usually give her a birthday present?' 'No, we......'

9..........you write to your parents very often?" 'No, I.....

10..........he help you very much?" 'Yes, he...............

 

4. Make these sentences into questions.

1 The shop closes at 5 o'clock.

Does the shop close at 5 o'clock?

2 They go swimming every weekend.

Do they go swimming every weekend?

3 She speaks English well. ………………………………

4 It rains a lot here in winter. ……………………………..

5 You drink a lot of tea.      ………………………………

6 I eat too much, doctor.     ………………………………

7 Tony often plays golf at the weekends. …………………...

8 His friends visit him most evenings. ……………………

 

5. Write the questions in the present simple.

1 Where / you / work?             Where do you work?

2 What / she / do?                    What does she do?

3 Where / he / live?                   …………………………

4 What music / your husband / like? ………………………

5 When / she / do her homework? ……………………….

6 Why / we / learn Latin?          ……………………….

7 Who / she / teach?                     ……………………….

8 How / I / turn on the television? ……………………….

 

6. Change these sentences from the positive to the negative.

1 She works very hard.            She doesn't work very hard.

2 It usually snows here in the winter. …………………….

3 I like a big breakfast every morning. ……………………

4 The film starts very early.              …………………….

5 He swims every morning.              …………………….

6 They always open the windows at night. ……………….

7 We often see our neighbours in the garden. ………………

 

7. Complete the conversation putting the verbs into the present simple.

A: Hello. Nice to see you. (1) Do you work (work) here?

B: Yes, I do. I'm the head waiter.

A: Oh good. And (2)............ you.............. (like) it?

B: Oh yes, I (3)............... (love) it here. It's an excellent restaurant. The chef (4)................(cook) wonderful food and the waiters all (5)................ (work) very hard. The only problem is that I (6)................. (not/go out) in the evenings any more because I'm always busy here.

A: Ah, that's why we (7)..............(not/see) you now at the club.

B: That's right. 1 only (8)...................... (have) one evening free and I usually (9)..............(stay) at home then. (10).......... Maria.......(go) to the club now?

A: Oh yes, she does. She (11)..............(talk) about you sometimes. (12)...............you (see) her?

В: No, I don't. I'm always busy and she (13)............ (not/know) about this new job. I (14)............... (telephone) her sometimes but she's always out.

A: Well, she (15)............... (go out) quite often. But I (16)............(know) she (17)............(want) to see you again.

B: Look at the door! It's Maria. She's coming in here.

PARLIAMENT AT WORK

Read the words:

A.

purpose, various, throughout, term, enforce, to conduct, parliamentary, procedure, judgement, control, previously, concern, foreign, criticize, permission, committee

B.

legislation, criticize, finance, permission, scrutinize, inherit, Chancellor, supervise, suggest, restrict, budget, reject, amendment, review, proposal, legal appeal, concern, attempt, hereditary

 

Read the text:

Parliament is the most important law-making body of the British people consisting of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Sovereign (i.e., king or queen).

A. The House of Commons, the lower house of the British Parliament, consists of 650 elected MPs: 523 for England, 72 for Scotland, 38 for Wales, 17 for Northern Ireland.

The main purpose of the House of Commons is to make laws of the land by passing various Acts (of Parliament), as well as to discuss current political issues. The House sits for five days each week. Each "sitting'' starts in the afternoon and may go on throughout the night. The House sits for about 175 days in the year, and has a maximum term of five years.

All speeches in the House of Commons are addressed to the Speaker who is elected at the beginning of each new Parliament to preside over the House and enforce the rules of order.

The Speaker must be a person with a rare mix of qualities: he has to be able to cope with the difficult task of conducting debates; be respected for impartiality; possess a sound knowledge of parliamentary procedure; have tact and judgement in handling debates; and have a firmness of command in controlling the House.

The debates take place in accordance with a programme previously arranged. It often concerns a broad issue of foreign or home policy, or it may be the examination of the contents of a bill.

So, the House of Commons is themain place where legislation and other decisions of government are criticized. Its work includes the following:

a) legislation: the House spends nearly half of its time making laws,

b) controlling finance: before the Government can raise or spend money, it must have permission from the House of Commons,

c) scrutinizing the Government by asking questions, by holding debates and by committee work.

B. The House of Lords

There are over 1,000 members of the House of Lords. They are an unelected group of people who have either inherited their seats or have been given them by the Government. The Lord Chancellor sits in the middle and supervises debates. He sits on "the wool sack", a seat which contains wool from all the Commonwealth countries.

The House of Lords takes part in the making of laws, the examination of the Government's work and in debating important matters of the day. This second chamber is not as powerful as the House of Commons. It can suggest changes in laws, but is restricted to laws that have nothing to do with the finances of the country (for example, it cannot suggest any changes to the Budget). The House of Lords cannot reject laws that the House of Commons wants to pass, though it can amend them. Even then, the Commons can reject these amendments. The work of the House of Lords includes:

a) legislation: reviewing and giving further consideration to Bills;

b) examining the work of the Government by debate;

c) examining European proposals;

d) hearing legal appeals.

There is an ongoing debate concerning the role of the House of Lords in British politics and there have been attempts to limit its power further. One example of this which has come under frequent scrutiny is the system of hereditary peerage.

Vocabulary Notes

i.e.= id est= that is – т.е.

current issues – текущие проблемы

sitting – заседание

a quality – качество

impartiality – беспристрастность

sound – зд. точный, глубокий

to handle debates – вести дебаты

to scrutinize – тщательно исследовать

to reject – отвергать

to amend, to make amendments — вносить поправки

to review – пересмотреть

 

I. Find the words close in their meaning in (a) and (b):

1. term 2. chamber 3. limit 4. reject 5. propose 6. control 7. happen 8. pass 9. issue 10. amend 11. examine

a. veto b. supervise c. adopt d. period e. house f. suggest g. make amendments h. matter i. restrict j. take place k. scrutinize

 

IV. Answer the questions.

A.

1. What does Parliament consist of?

2. How many MPs are there in Parliament?

3. What’s the main purpose of the House of Commons?

4. How many days a year do they sit?

5. What’s the term of the House of Commons?

6. What are the most important qualities of the speaker?

7. What do debates usually concern?

8. What does the work of the House of Commons include?

 

B.

1. How many members are there in the House of Lords?

2. Who supervises debates?

3. What do Lords take part in?

4. Who is more powerful, the Lords or the Commons?

5. What can’t Lords do?

6. What does the work of the House of Lords include?

7. How do they try to limit Lords’ power?

 

Present Continuous

1. Write the sentences with the verbs in the present continuous.

1 John and I are staying in a beautiful hotel. (stay)

2 Annie and Joe are making a cake for tea. (make)

3 Spencer …………… at home today. (work)

4 I …………… for a letter from my parents. (wait)

5 You …………… too fast. (walk)

6 We …………… our next holiday. (plan)

7 The girls …………… their grandmother today. (visit)

8 She …………… in her bedroom at the moment. (read)

9 I …………… to listen to the radio but it's very noisy in here. (try)

10 The sun …………… beautifully today. (shine)

 

2. Complete the questions and answers, adding am, is, are to the questions and am, is, are, or 'm not, isn't, aren't to the short answers.

1. Is it raining outside?' 'No, it isn't. '

2. Are the children playing outside?' 'Yes, they are. '

3. ……… you doing your homework now?' 'Yes, I …….

4. ……… I hurting you?' 'No, you ……………'

5. ……… she waving to us?' 'Yes, she ……………'

6. ……… we stopping here?' 'Yes, we ……………

7. ……… your neighbours moving out?' 'No, they ………

8. ……… he helping you with your homework?' 'Yes, he …

9. ………… they planning a party?' 'No, they …………….

GOVERNMENT

Read the words:

majority, although, represent, senior, regularly, major, issue, supreme, department, responsible, currently, actual, support, reject

 

Read the text:

The Government of the UK is a body of ministers who are responsible for the administration of national affairs. The ministers are the leading members of the political party which wins a majority of seats in Parliament. The party which wins the second largest number of seats in Parliament becomes the official Opposition.

The Prime Minister, the leader of the party with a majority, is appointed by the Queen. (The Queen appoints, but does not select the Prime Minister. She has no choice.) A1l other Ministers are appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The majority of ministers are members of the Commons, although the Government is also fully represented by ministers in the Lords. The Lord Chancellor is always a member of the House of Lords,

The Cabinet. The most senior Ministers (usually about 20 in number) compose the Cabinet, which meets regularly (once or twice a week) under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister to decide government policy on major issues, exercise supreme control of government and coordinate gov­ernment departments.

Ministers are responsible collectively to Parliament for all Cabinet de­cisions; individual ministers are responsible to Parliament for the work of their departments.

The "Shadow Cabinet". The Opposition party, which is not currently in power, under the direction of its leader forms a "Shadow Cabinet". The ministers in the Shadow Cabinet deal with the same matters as the Cabinet of Ministers in the current government, debating with the actual Cabinet ministers from the Government side.

The people elect MPs.

After an election a Government is formed.

The Prime Minister is appointed by the Queen.

The Prime Minister selects his Ministers.

The Ministers form the Cabinet.

The Cabinet decides Government policies.

The Parliament agrees to support or reject Government policies and laws.

PARLIAMENTARY CONTROL

Ministers are responsible to Parliament for their department and its actions. The Commons can force a government to leave office. This happened in 1979, when the official Opposition put forward a no-confidence motion which was carried by one vote. The Government was therefore obliged to advise the Queen to dissolve Parliament and a general election followed.

One of Parliament's most prized occasions is Commons’ Question Time. For roughly one hour a day, ministers are asked by MPs searching questions on major government policies. This is often the best way for MPs to probe ministers about government intentions. The Prime Minister is questioned twice a week.

 

Vocabulary Notes

to leave office – уйти в отставку

no-confidence – вотум недоверия

to probe – зондировать

II. Answer the questions.

A.

1. Who governs the UK?

2. Who are the ministers?

3. What is the opposition?

4. Who is the Prime Minister?

5. How are the ministers appointed?

6. How many ministers are there in the Cabinet?

7. What do they do?

8. What is the “Shadow Cabinet”?

B.

1. How is the Cabinet formed?

2. What are the ministers responsible for?

3. How can the Commons influence the Government? Give an example.

4. What is Commons’ Question Time?

 

Past Simple

1. Put in was / wasn’t / were / weren’t.

1. We didn’t like our hotel room. It was small and it wasn’t very clean.

2. Kate got married when she ……… 24 years old.

3. I phoned you yesterday but you ……… at home. Where ……. you?

4. George ………… at work last week because he ……… ill.

5. The shops ……… open yesterday because it ……… a holiday.

6. ‘……… you at home at 9.30?’ ‘No, I ……… at work.’

 

Write questions.

1. I saw a film. 2. I met some people. 3. I did an examination. 4. I bought some boots. 5. I went to a museum.

(good?) Was it good? (friendly?) ……………………? (difficult?) ……………………? (expensive?) …………………? (interesting?) …………………?

 

3. Complete these sentences with the verb in the negative.

1 I saw John but I didn’t see Магу.

2 They worked on Monday but they ……… on Tuesday.

3 We went to the shop but we ……… to the bank.

4 She had a pen but she ……… any paper.

5 Jack did French at school but he ……… German.

 

4. You are asking somebody questions. Write questions with Did.?

1 I watched TV last night. And you? Did you watch TV last night?

2 I enjoyed the party. And you? ……… you ………?

3 I had a good holiday. And you?. ………?

4 I got up early this morning. And you? ………?

5 I slept well last night. And you? ………?

 

5. What did you do yesterday? (Your sentence can be positive or negative.)

1 (watch TV) I watched TV yesterday.

                   ( or I didn’t watch TV yesterday.)

2 (get up before 7.30) I ……….

3 (have a shower)      I ……….

4 (buy a magazine)      ……….

5 (speak English)         ……….

6 (do an examination)  ……….

7 (eat meat)                  ……….

8 (go to bed before 10.30) ……….

 

6. Write questions with Who/What/How/Why...?

1 I met somebody.                    Who did you meet?

2 Harry arrived.                      What time … Harry ………?

3 I saw somebody.                Who ……… you ………?

4 They wanted something.   What ………?

5 The meeting finished.        What time ………?

6 Pat went home early.         Why ………?

7 We had dinner.                    What ……….. for dinner?

8 It cost a lot of money.       How much ………?

ELECTIONS

Read the words:

democracy, women, representative, parliamentary, although, disqualify, imprisonment, clergy, purpose, result, request

 

Read the text:

Britain is a democracy. Men and women over 18 have a vote. They have the right to elect a representative to Parliament. Voting is not compulsory.

The simple majority system of voting is used in parliamentary elections in Britain. This means that the candidate with the largest number of votes in each constituency is elected, although he or she may not necessarily have received more than half the votes cast.

A candidate is elected if he or she has the majority of votes over the next candidate. British citizens may stand and be elected as MPs (members of Parliament) if they are aged 21 or over and are not subject to any disqualification.

Those disqualified include bankrupts, people sentenced to more than one year's imprisonment, clergy of the Church of England, Church of Scotland, Church of Ireland andRoman Catholic Church, peers, members of the regular armed forces or the police service and some others.

For electoral purposes Britain is divided into constituencies; citizens in all the various British constituencies vote for their local MP.

The British government is elected for 5 years and it is the Prime Minister who chooses the date of the next General Elections. When the date is announced the Prime Minister usually asks the Queen to dissolve Parlia­ment. So, the election campaign is launched all over the country and it usu­ally lasts about three weeks.

Voting takes place on Polling Day. When the results are known and it becomes clear what party has the majority of seats in the House of Commons, its leader forms a government by Her Majesty's request.

Vocabulary Notes

vote – право голоса

to elect – выбирать

compulsory – обязательный

majority system – мажоритарная система

constituency – избирательный округ

to stand – стать кандидатом

to sentence – приговаривать к...

General Election – Всеобщие выборы

to announce – объявлять

to launch an election campaign – начать избирательную кампанию

 

I. Make up words.

a)

1. repre 2. re 3. dis 4. demo 5. compul 6. consti 7. pur 8. ann 9. impri

a. pose b. cracy c. sory d. ounce e. sentative f. qualify g. quest h. sonment i. tuency

b)

t o e v

n a d s t

t e e l c

s c e n t e e n

c o u n a n e n

h u l a c n

n e o l I t e c

 

IV. Answer the questions.

1. When can the British vote?

2. What is simple majority system?

3. Who can be elected as MPs?

4. Who is disqualified?

5. For how long is the British Government elected?

6. What happens when the date of General Elections is announced?

7. What is the Polling Day?

8. Who forms the Government?

 

Vocabulary Notes

magistrates' court — мировой суд

Crown Court – Суд Короны

case – судебное дело

County court – суд графства

court of appeal — апелляционный суд

European Court of Justice – Европейский суд

juvenile court – суд по делам несовершеннолетних

violent- насильственный

coroners' court – суд, рассматривающий дела о насильственной смерти

to make a decision – принимать решение

fair – справедливый

taxation – налогообложение

 

I. Make up words:

a)

1. di 2. offen 3. dis 4. vio 5. co 6. juve 7. ca 8. coro 9. magi 10. crimi

a. nal b. se c. ner d. urt e. pute f. der g. strate h. vorce i. nile j. lent

b)

i  i  l  v  c

l  a  d  e

f  r  e  e  r

g  e  a  l  l

p  a  p  a  l  e

d  e  n  f  o  r  e  f

d  i  v  i  d  i  l  a  n  u

 

II. Make up word combinations:

1. magistrate’ 2. criminal 3. legal 4. violent 5. administrative 6. dispute 7. government 8. to make

a. a decision b. system c. between individuals d. death e. court f. department g. case h. tribunal

 

Vocabulary Notes

a barrister — адвокат, выступающий в суде

a solicitor — поверенный

a judge — судья

advocacy – адвокатура

to examine the case — изучить дело

litigation – тяжба, гражданское дело

to rely on – полагаться на

self-employed — зд. иметь частную практику

the right of audience – право выступать в суде

Bar – коллегия адвокатов

in house lawyer – юрист, постоянно работающий в компании

There are about 66,000 practising solicitors and over 8,000 practising barristers in England and Wales. Solicitors and barristers work together on cases but the solicitor is the first point of contact with the law for a client in the UK. The solicitor listens carefully to the client and then explains the legal position and gives advice. Barristers will only see the client in the company of a solicitor who prepares all the documents relevant to the case which will be examined by the barrister.

The barrister is a specialist in advocacy and he has the right of audience. There are only a few solicitors who are allowed to present cases inthe higher courts. Barristers are self-employed in the independent Bar. Solicitors normally get salaries but sometimes they can get extra money in the profits if they are successful. In addition to the barristers practising in England and Wales, there are 2,000 barristers working as in-house lawyers.

Judges in England and Wales have been barristers for not less than 10 years. Since judges are appointed, they can't work as barristers.

Solicitors do a variety of work — property, private law, banking, finance, employment law and environmental law.

 

I. Make up words:

1. jud 2. success 3. barri 4. audi 5. indepen 6. advo 7. soli 8. pre 9. vari 10. pri 11. employ 12. envi

ence ronment ge citor vate ful cacy ster ety ment dent pare

 

COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES

1. a) Write the comparatives and superlatives.

happy               happier            the happiest

difficult            more difficult the most difficult

clean, early, beautiful, soft, intelligent, dirty, good, careful, cheap, bad, strong, far, hot, warm, expensive, much, thin, nice, boring, old.

 

b) Put in as or than.

1. Athens is older than Rome.

2. I don’t watch TV as much ………… you.

3. You eat more ………… me.

4. I feel better ………… I felt yesterday.

5. Jim isn’t as clever ………… he thinks.

6. Belgium is smaller ………… Switzerland.

7. Brazil isn’t as big ………… Canada.

 

US GOVERNMENT

A

The USA is a presidential republic. The legislative branch of the US Government, or the Congress, represents all of the American states. It consists of two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each state has two senators, who are elected every 6 years. A senator must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States for 9 years, and live in the state he or she will represent. A representative must be at least 25 years old, a citizen for 7 years, and live in the state.

The job of the Congress is to make laws. The President can veto a bill. The Congress can pass the law anyway if it gets a two-thirds majority vote. The Congress can also declare war. The House of Representatives can also impeach the President. This means that the House can charge the President with a crime. In this case, the Senate will put the President on trial. The Senate votes to approve the justices that the President appoints to the Supreme Court.

B

The executive branch of the government puts the country's laws into effect. The President of the United States is a member of the executive branch. The President must be at least 35 years old and be a natural citizen of the USA. In addition, he must have lived in the US for at least 14 years, and be a civilian. The President is elected every four years and cannot serve more than two terms. The Vice-President of the USA is president of the Senate. When the President receives a bill from the Congress, he must sign it, and then the bill becomes a law. However, if he disagrees with the law, he can veto it. ThePresident can also ask the Congress to declare war. He also appoints the justices to the Supreme Court. He must do his job according to the Constitution, or he may be impeached.

The judicial branch of the government is the system of courts in the United States. Its job is to enforce laws. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country. It consists of 9 justices: one Chief Justice and 8 Associate Justices. The President appoints the justices, but the Senate must approve them. The justices are appointed for life. The Supreme Court makes sure that people obey the laws. The Supreme Court can also decide if a law is constitutional, that it is in agreement with the Constitution. The judicial branch works together with the legislative and executive branches to protect the Constitution and the rights of people.

Vocabulary Notes

A

the legislative branch of the government – законодательная власть

to represent — представлять

the House of Representatives — Палата представителей

the Senate – Сенат

to elect, election— избирать, выборы

to make laws — создавать законы

to enforce a law – проводить закон в жизнь

to obey a law — исполнять закон

to pass the law — провести закон

to veto a bill – наложить вето на законопроект

majority/minority – большинство/меньшинство

to declare war — объявить войну

to impeach the President — подвергнуть президента импичменту

to charge- обвинить в каком-либо преступлении

to vote — голосовать

B

executive branch – исполнительная власть

a term – срок полномочий

the Supreme Court – Верховный Суд

justice – судья

Chief Justice – Главный судья

Associate Justice – Член Верховного Суда

to appoint – назначать

the judicial branch – судебная власть

III. Answer the questions.

A

1. How many branches are there in the US Government?

2. What does the Congress include?

3. What are the requirements for the senators and representatives?

4. What is the job of the Congress?

5. What else can it do?

B

6. Who represents the executive branch?

7. What are the requirements for the President?

8. What is the judicial branch of the Government? What is its job?

9. Who does the Supreme Court consist of?

10. What is the aim of three branches of the US Government?

PRESENT PERFECT

1. Complete the sentences with a verb from the list. Use the present perfect (have/has + the past participle of the verb).

break buy finish do go go lose paint read take

 

1. 'Are they still having dinner? ' 'No, they have finished. '

2. I ……… some new shoes. Do you want to see them?

3. 'Is Tom here? ' 'No, he ……… to work.'

4. '……….you ……… the shopping? ' 'No, I'm going to do it later.'

5. 'Where's your key?' 'I don't know. I ……… it.'

6. Look! Somebody ……… that window.

7. Your house looks different ……… you ……… it?

8. I can't find my umbrella. Somebody ……… it.

9. I'm looking for Sarah. Where ……… she ………?

10. 'Do you want the newspaper?' 'No, thanks. I ……… it.'

 

2. You are asking Ann questions beginning Have you ever ...? Write the questions.

1 (Paris?) Have you ever been to Paris? 2 (play / golf?) Have you ever played golf? 3 (Australia?) Have …………………? 4 (lose / your passport?) …………..…? 5 (sleep / in a park?) …………………? 6 (eat / Chinese food?)………………..? 7 (New York?)………………………? 8 (win / a lot of money?) ……………? 9 (break / your leg?) ………………….?

No, never. Yes, many times.   No, never. Yes, once. No, never. Yes, a few times. Yes, twice. No, never. Yes, once.

State and Local Governments

a

The fifty states are quite different in size, population, climate, economy, history, and interests. The fifty state governments often differ from one another too. Because they often approach political, social, or economic questions differently, the states have been called "laboratories of democracy". However, they share certain basic structures. The individual states all have republican forms of government with a senate and a house. All have executive branches headed by state governors and independent court systems. Each state also has its own constitution. But all must respect the federal laws and not make laws that contradict those of the other states. Likewise, cities and local authorities must make their laws and regulations so that they fit their own state's constitution.

The Constitution limits the federal government to specific powers, but modern judicial interpretations of the Constitution have expanded federal responsibilities. There has always been a battle between federal and slate's rights. The traditional American district of a too powerful central government has kept the battle going over the years. The states and local communities in the US have rights that in other countries generally belong to the central government.

B

Local governments are different from state and federal governments because they do not have constitutions. Local governments receive a charter (a plan of government) from the state government. There are different types of local governments: city, county, town and village. The local charter tells us about the organization of the government.

One of the most important functions or duties of local government is the provision of public schools. People often want to take part in making decisions about the schools because they want their children to get a good education. There are special school boards where parents are the members. The school board makes decisions about teacher's salaries, the curriculum and other administrative aspects. They give their opinions about what needs to be done at school.

Local governments have a court system which considers local problems, such as traffic laws and small disputes. Sometimes cases maybe appealed to the state courts. Judges in local courts are sometimes called justices of peace or judge and magistrate. Local courts usually specialize in one area of law, for example, family law, to be sure that a judge is very competent on the subject. Local courts provide efficient legal service.

 

III. Answer the questions.

A

1. Why have the states been called “laboratories of democracy”?

2. What basic structures do state governments share?

3. All must respect the federal laws. What does it mean?

4. What is the role of modern judicial interpretations?

5. Do the rights of local communities differ in the USA and other countries?

B

6. What are the types of local governments?

7. Which is one of the most important functions of local governments?

8. Why do people want to take part in making decisions about schools?

9. What does a court system of local government do?

10. Who works in local courts?

11. Why do local courts specialize in one area?

 

THE US POLITICAL PARTIES

The Democratic Party is the oldest party in the United States. In 1829, Andrew Jackson became the first Democratic President. Since that time, the issues of the nation and the ideas of the party have changed. Both the major parties have liberal and conservative members but in general people consider the Democrats today more liberal than the Republicans. Democrats often want the government to establish social programs for people in need, such as the poor, the unemployed, and the elderly. They usually say they believe in equal rights (or women and minorities and they oppose nuclear weapon and too much military spending. The symbol of the Democratic Party is the donkey.

 

The Republican Party, sometimes called the G.O.P, (the Grand Old Party), began in 1854 over the issue of slavery. Republicans oppose slavery. The first Republican candidate to become President was Abraham Lincoln. After the Civil War, Republicans got interested in farm, land, and business issues. In general, Republicans vote more conservatively than Democrats. They want government to support big business but not to control the lives of citizens. They often oppose government spending for social programs but support military spending. The party symbol is the elephant.

 

Vocabulary Notes

nuclear weapon — ядерное оружие

slavery — рабство

 

Fill in the chart.

The Democratic Party	The Republican Party

 

1. It is the oldest political party in the United States.

2. It is sometimes called the G.O.P.

3. Its first President was Abraham Lincoln.

4. Its first President was Andrew Jackson.

5. It is generally more liberal than the other party.

6. Its members usually prefer to spend tax money for military purposes rather than for social programs.

7. Its members do not want the government to control the lives of individuals.

8. The party symbol is the donkey.

 

Political Parties (II)

The U.S. Constitution does not talk about political parties, but they began during George Washington's term of office. On one side were the Federalists. They wanted a strong federal government. On the other side, the Democratic-Republicans wanted to limit the power of the national government. Their leader was Thomas Jefferson, and their group later became the Democratic Party.

Some of the early political parties, such as the Federalists and the Whigs, no longer exist. Since 1854, the two major parties have been the Democrats and the Republicans. Smaller parties have lasted for only a short time. "Third parties" have won in local elections, but their candidates have never won a Presidential election.

Many people say that there is not much difference between the Republican and Democratic Parties. "Liberal" politicians usually favor reform (change) and progress. "Conservative" politicians usually oppose change. But both liberal and conservative members belong to the two major political parties, and their ideas often change with the times and the issues.

ELECTIONS

Anyone who is an American citizen, at least 18 years оf age, and is registered to vote may vote. Each state has the right to determine registration procedures. A number of civic groups, such as the League of Women Voters, are actively trying to register as many people as possible. Voter registration and voting among minorities has dramatically increased during the last twenty years, especially as a result of the Civil Rights Movement.

There is some concern, however, about the number of citizens who could vote in national elections but do not. In the national election of 1984, for instance, only 57.4 percent of all those who could have voted actually did. In 1992 it was 61.3. But then, Americans who want to vote must register, that is put down their names in register before the actual elections take place. There are 50 different registration laws in the US – one set for each state. In the South, voters often have to register not only locally but also at the county seat. In European countries, on the other hand, "permanent registration" of voters is most common. Of those voters in the United States who did register in the 1988 Presidential elections, 86 per cent cast their ballots, in 1992 – 89.8 per cent.

The National Presidential elections consist of two separate campaigns. One is for the nomination of candidates at national party convention, the other is to win the actual election. The first stage is called "primaries". The party convention votes to select the party's official candidate for the presidency. Then the candidates start Presidential campaigns. At last in November, the voters go to the polls.

 

In November voters in each state give their votes for candidates. By practice the electors must vote for the candidate who gets majority of votes in their state even if his majority is very small. Before voting in November every citizen must register in accordance with the laws of his state. This gives him the right of participating in «primaries»2. The US constitution guarantees every cit­izen the right to vote but the states with the help of numerous qualifications deprive a lot of people of this right. And those who do vote can only make their choice practically between two sets of candidates — Democrats and Republicans whose political platforms are practically alike.

Vocabulary Notes

to register to vote – зарегистрироваться дня голосования

procedure — процедура

minority – меньшинство (зд. национальное)

dramatically – значительно

that is— т.е.

lo set я law – создать закон

county – избирательный округ

to cast a ballot – проголосовать

nomination — выдвижение кандидата

 

Russian Political System

According to the Constitution adopted in 1993, the Russian Federation is a presidential republic. Just like political systems in other countries, our political system also has three branches of power: legislative, executive and judicial.

The Federal Assembly represents the legislative branch of power. It is also made up of two houses: the Federation Council and the State Duma, which make laws. Both the houses are headed by chairmen called speakers. Russia is divided into 85 federal subjects. Each subject elects two representatives to the Federation Council, so there are 178 members in the Federation Council. The State Duma consists of 450 deputies. 225 members are elected directly by the people. The other half of deputies is appointed by their parties after party-list voting according to which every party gains a number of seats. The main function of the Federal Assembly is to make laws. Every law must be approved by the State Duma and the Federation Council, and signed by the President.

The Federal Government represents the executive branch of power. It consists of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers.

The President is the head of state in Russia and he is elected directly by the people. In fact, he has a lot of power. The President can even dissolve the State Duma if it doesn't agree with his suggestions three times running. The President has his Administration but it is not part of the Federal Government. The President is involved in the work of the legislative and executive branches.

The judicial branch of power is represented by the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court. The Supreme Court is the highest court for civil and criminal cases. The responsibility of the Constitutional Court is to determine whether new laws or actions of the President correspond to the Constitution. The Constitution is the main law of Russia It guarantees the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens.

Russian political system also has "the system of checks and balances" like that in the USA. For example, the President appoints the heads of the Federal Government and the Chairman of the Government, but the State Duma must approve his appointment. The President can veto laws passed by the Federal Assembly, but the Federal Assembly can pass laws over the President's veto by a two-thirds majority. The Constitutional Court has the right to declare actions of the President, the Federal Assembly and the Federal Government unconstitutional.

There are many political parties in our country. The most well-known are the Communist Party, the Liberal Democratic Party, the "Unity" Party, the Union of the Right Forces and the "Apple" Party.

The parties currently represented in the State Duma include United Russia (340), Communist Party (42), Liberal Democratic Party (40), A Just Russia (23), Rodina (1), Civic Platform (1)

 

Vocabulary Notes

to adopt – принимать

branch – ветвь

legislative – законодательный

executive – исполнительный

judicial – судебный

to represent – представлять

house – палата (парламента)

chairman – председатель

to divide – делить, разделять

subject – субъект

to elect – избирать, выбирать голосованием

representative – представитель

deputy – депутат

directly – непосредственно

to appoint – назначать

voting – голосование

to gain – получать

seat – место

to approve – одобрять

to sign – подписывать

to dissolve – распускать (парламент), прекращать деятельность

suggestion – предложение

three times running – три раза подряд

civil – гражданский

criminal – уголовный

case – дело

responsibility – ответственность, обязанность

to determine – определять

to correspond – соответствовать

right – право

freedom – свобода

citizen – гражданин

the system of checks and balances – система «сдержек и противовесов» (принцип взаимозависимости и взаимоограничения законодательной, исполнительной и судебной власти в США)

to pass a law – принимать закон

majority – большинство

to declare – объявлять

 

II. Fill in the chart.

organizations	people	branches of power

 

Use the words:

chairman, Federal Assembly, judicial, Federal Council, Speaker, representative, legislative, deputy, Federal Government, Prime Minister, Cabinet, executive, President, State Duma.

 

V. Answer the questions.

1. What political system does the Russian Federation represent?

2. How many branches are there in the political system of Russia?

3. Which institutions exercise the legislative, executive and judicial power?

4. What is each branch of power responsible for?

5. How do the branches of power interact?

6. Who is the head of state in Russia? Does he have much power?

7. Are there many political parties in Russia?

8. What are the most well-known parties?

9. Can you compare Russian and American political systems?

10. Would you like to become the President of Russia? Why?

 

QUESTIONS

1 Make questions with who and what. In these sentences who/what is the subject.

1. Somebody broke the window. 2. Something happened. 3. Somebody is coming. 4. Somebody took my umbrella. 5. Something made me angry. 6. Somebody wants to see you. 7. Somebody told me about the accident. 8. Something went wrong.

Who broke the window? What happened? Who ………….? ……… your umbrella? ……… you angry? ………………….. me? ………… you ………..? ………………………?

2 Make questions with who and what. In these sentences who/what is the object.

1. I met somebody. 2. I'm doing something. 3. I'm reading something. 4. I saw somebody. 5. I want something. 6. I phoned somebody. 7. I'm going to cook something. 8. I bought something.

Who did you meet? What are you doing? What ……… you …….? Who …………………? ……………………….? ………………………? ……………………….? ………………………?

3 Make questions with who and what. Sometimes who/what is the subject, sometimes who/what is the object.

1. Somebody lives in that house. 2. Tom said something. 3. They have lost something. 4. Somebody cleaned the kitchen. 5. I asked somebody for money. 6. Somebody asked me for money. 7. Something happened last night. 8. Jack bought something. 9. Somebody telephoned me yesterday. 10. I telephoned somebody yesterday. 11. Somebody knows the answer. 12. Something woke me up this morning. 13. Somebody has got my pen. 14. Tom and Ann saw something. 15. Somebody saw the accident. 16. Somebody did the washing-up. 17. Jill did something. 18. This word means something.

Who lives in that house? What did Tom say? What Who Who Who What What Who Who Who What Who What Who Who What What

TAG QUESTIONS

4. Complete these sentences with a question tag (isn't it? / haven't you? etc.).

1. It's a beautiful day, isn’t it? 2. They're on holiday,………? 3. She was angry, ………? 4. You've been to Paris, ……? 5. You smoke, ………? 6. He looks very tired, ………? 7. You'll help me, …………?

Yes, it's lovely. Yes, they're in Portugal. Yes, very angry. Yes, many times. Yes, but not often. Yes, he works too hard. Yes, of course I will.

 

5. Complete these sentences with a question tag, positive (is it? / do you? etc.) or negative isn’t it? / don't you? etc.).

1. You haven't got a car, have you? 2. You aren’t tired, …………? 3. Carol is a very nice person, ……? 4. You can play the piano, ……? 5. You don't know Mr. Bond, ……? 6. Sally went to university, ……? 7. The film wasn’t very good, ……?

No, I can't drive. No, I'm fine. Yes, I like her very much. Yes, but not very well. No, I've never met him. Yes, she studied history. No, it was terrible.

 

6. Put a question tag at the end of these sentences.

1. Tom won't be late, will he? 2. You're tired, aren't you? 3. You've got a camera, …?   4. You weren't listening, …? 5. Sue doesn't know Ann, …? 6. Jack's on holiday, …? 7. Ann's applied for the job, …? 8. You can speak German, …? 9. He won't mind if I use his phone,...? 10. There are a lot of people here, …? 11. This isn't very interesting, …? 12. I'm too impatient, …? 13. You wouldn't tell anyone, …? 14. I shouldn't have lost my temper,...?

No, he's never late. Yes, a little. Yes, why? Do you want to borrow it? Yes, I was! No, they've never met. Yes, he's in Portugal. Yes, but she won't get it. Yes, but not very fluently. No, of course he won't. Yes, more than I expected. No, not very. Yes, you are sometimes. No, of course not. No, but never mind.

Court system in Russia

A

Russia belongs to the continental legal system, and a written law is the, main legal source. So, the supreme law in Russia is the Constitution. Other major legal sources include federal constitutional laws and federal laws. Any law cannot contradict the Constitution.

The Russian court system is composed of three independent parts. They are:

- the Courts of General Jurisdiction

- the Commercial (Arbitrazh) Courts

- the Russian Federation Constitutional Court

The Courts of General Jurisdiction include justices of the peace, District courts, Regional courts and the Supreme Court.

Justices of the peace resolve small claims at the local level. District (rayon) courts functions as courts of first instance and courts of appeals for decisions of justices of the peace. These courts make initial decisions in the majority of criminal and civil cases. Regional (oblast) courts serve as trial courts in more serious crimes and civil matters, and as appellate courts reviewing district court’s judgments.

As a result of the judicial reform of 2014, the Supreme Commercial Court of the Russian Federation has ceased to exist and its powers have been passed to the newly formed Supreme Court of Russia. The new Supreme Court is the highest judicial instance for both courts of general jurisdiction and the commercial courts. It can hear cases by way of supervision and for newly discovered circumstances. The Supreme Court may issue explanations on questions concerning judicial practice.

B

The military courts are included into the system of courts of general jurisdiction. They include garrison, district (navy) courts and the Military Chamber of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation.

The Commercial Courts adjudicate commercial and economic disputes between business entities. These courts are organized at the level of constituent components of the Russian Federation.

The RF Constitutional Court adjudicates matters governed by the RF Constitution. Rulings of the Constitutional Court are binding and final. Some subjects of the Russian Federation have their own “subject” constitutional courts (14 courts) and also charter courts (4 courts).

In all courts cases are tried in public. The participants in the trial (the prosecutor, the lawyers, the plaintiff,