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13. Outline the composition of British government .What parliamentary government? Analyze role of British Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Explain “shadow cabinet” and its significance.

Gov-t is the body of ministers responsible for the conduct of national affairs. The prime Min-r is appointed by the Queen, and all other ministers are appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Pr Minister. Most ministers are members of the House of Commons, Although the Gov-t is also fully represented by ministers in the Lords. The composition of gov-ts can vary both in the number of ministers and in the titles of some offices New offices may be created, others may be abolished, and functions may be transferred from one min-r to another.

The Pr Minister is also First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service. His unique position of authority derives from majority support in the House of Commons and from the power to appoint and dismiss ministers. The Pr Minister always sits in the House of Commons. The Pr Min presides over the Cabinet, is responsible for the allocation of functions among min-rs and informs the Queen at regular meetings of the general business of the Gov-t.His other responsibilities include recommending a number of appointments to the Queen: Church of England archbishops, bishops, Senior judges(Lord Chief Justice),Privy Consellors, Lord Lieutenants,…The Pr Min makes recommendations for the award of many civil honours and distinctions. The Pr Min’s office at 10 Downing Street, the official residence. Pr Min also may appoint special advisors to the Office to assist in the formation of policies.

Departmenal Min-rs

Min-rs in charge of gov-nt departments are usually in the Cabinet; they are known as ‘Secretary of State’or’Minister’, or may have special title, as in the case of the Chancellor o f the Exchequer.

Non-departmental Min-rs

The holders of traditional offices(Lord President of the Council, the Lord Privy Seal,the Paymaster General)may have few or no department duties. They are available to perform any duties the Pr Min may wish to give them.

Ministers of State work with min-rs in charge of departments. That have specific responsibilities, and are sometimes give titles which reflect these functions. in-r of State may be given a set in the Cabinet and be paid accordingly. Junior Ministers- are Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State or simply Parliamentary Secretaries.

Local gov-t:

-London now has an elected Mayor and Assembly;-councils around the country have developed ‘cabinet’ systems to replace a traditional complex system of gov-t by committees

Elected mayors and cabinets are designed to provide for a more effective decision-making at a local scale and a more democratic accountability.

Gordon Brown is current Pr Minister.

Shadow cabinet is senior group of opposition spokes people in the Westminster system of gov-t, who together under the leadership of the leader of the opposition form an alternative cabinet to the gov-t, whose members shadow or mark each individual member of the gov-t. Members of sh cabinet are also but not always appointed to a Cabinet post if and when their part gets into gov-t. It is the sh cab responsibility to pass criticism on the current gov-t and its respective legislative as well as offering alternative politics.

Parliamentary gov-t-gov-t by a body of Cabinet ministers who are chosen from and responsible to the legislature and act as advisers to a nominal chief of state

15.give a general survey of the org-n of educational system of GB. Public and Private sectors, main types of schools. The comprehensive school ,its advantage.

Aims: raise standards at all ability levels; give parents a wider choice o schools; improve the partnership between schools and parents;…

Comprehensive school admit children of all abilities in a given area and provide a wide range of different cources.

Three bodies are responsible for the education service:

1. The Department of Education and Science (DES) – is concerned with the formation of national policies for education and minimum national standard for education;

2. Local Education Authorities (LEAs) – is responsible for the provisions (buildings, materials, equipment) and day-to-day running of the schools and colleges in their area and the recruitment and payment of the teachers;

3. schools – decide on textbooks, timetable and methods of teaching.

The Education reform Act of 1998 introduced the National Curriculum. It is compulsory in all state schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Scotland has its own curriculum). The Curriculum specifies what children must study and what they are expected to know at different ages. It places greater emphasis on the more practical aspects of education. It also determines how performance will be assessed and reported.

The Curriculum is based around:

• core subjects (English, mathematics and science (biology, chemistry, etc.);

• foundation subjects (technology, history, geography, music, art, physical education and modern foreign languages).

There are 4 key stages of education:

KS 1 – 5 – 7 years; KS 1 – 7 – 11 years; KS 1 – 11 – 14 years; KS 1 – 14 – 16 years.

The children are tested at the end of each stage and it is called “the programme of Records of Achievements”.

Compulsory education begins at 4 in Northern Ireland, at 5 in England, Wales and Scotland. The pupils stay at school until 16, about 9% remain until 18 (voluntarily).

The classes are usually held between Monday and Friday. The school year is divided into 3 terms. In England and Wales it begins in September and ends in July. In Scotland and Northern Ireland it begins in mid-August and ends in June.

Every school has a governing body (a board of governors – members of the LEA, politicians, members of the local community, teachers and parents) that manages the budget and recruits teachers.

There are also Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) – to develop partnership between home and school.

Types of schools:

• state schools (free of charge):

1. county schools (maintained by LEAs);

2. grant-maintained schools (receive funding directly from the central government, are independent of LEAs);

3. voluntary schools (Church of England schools, Church of Wales schools, Roman Catholic schools)

1. GREAT BRITAIN.

1. Describe the geographical position of the British Isles, offering an explanation for its advantages and disadvantages. Define die term "continental shelf*, its importance for the economy.

2. Give an account of the physical geography of the British Isles, describing the varied relief features. Examine the main rivers and lakes of Great Britain. Outline the climate and weather of the British Isles. Account for the chief mineral resources of Great Britain.

3. Examine the main stages in the formation of the population of Great Britain (Ancient Britain, Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons).

4. Describe the Danish raids of England. The struggle of Alfred the Great and its results.

5. Outline the Norman Conquest and the establishment of feudalism in England and further consolidation of the English state. The main dates in the formation of the U JC.

6. Give the main characteristics of the modern population of Great Britain. What languages are spoken in the U.K. and why? Refer to the visible minority and its role.

7. Discuss the density and the distribution of the population in Great Britain. Urban and rural population. The main conurbations.

8. Analyse some national traits of the British people and their traditions, their private life, eating traditions, love of sports. How did geography and history affect the British character?

9. Describe Great Britain as a constitutional monarchy and its role and social influence.

10. Describe the structure and composition of the British Parliament. The reform of the House of Lords and its role. The House of Commons, composition and role.

11. Give an account of the main functions of the British Parliament outlining the process of passing a bill. Explain the term "Devolution", and its significance for the national parts of the U.K.

12. Discuss the electoral system. Give an evaluation of the "majority electoral system** existing in Great Britain? Comment on the latest general elections. Change of government in 2007. Reasons.

13. Outline the composition of the British Government. What is a parliamentary government? Analyze the role of the British Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Explain the term "Shadow Cabinet** and its significance.

14. Expand on the formation, development and role of the Commonwealth of Nations in the contemporary world, and of Britain's contribution to this organization.

15. Give a general survey of the organization of the educational system of Great Britain commenting on the public and private sectors and the main types of schools. The comprehensive school and its advantages.

16. Discuss briefly the organization of further education in Britain, and the main types of universities. The role of UCAS in advising the school graduates to chose the appropriate university.

17. Give a general survey of the main 8 economic regions of the U.K., the main cities of each region.

18. Expand on the role of the British Economy. Give an assessment of the contribution of the South economic region to the development of the country.

19. Outline the development and specialization of Midlands, Lancashire, Yorkshire .and the North;

20. Outline the contribution of Scotland and Northern Ireland to the development of the UK.

21. The causes and the consequences of the conflicts and divisions in Northern Ireland. The solution of the Northern Ireland issues in 2007. The formation of the Northern Ireland Assembly and of the coalition government in 2007.

22. Give a general assessment of Britain today. The change of government in 2007, its reasons. The main aspects of the policy of the present Government. Britain, Europe and the USA, relations with Belarus. Russia and other post-Soviet States.

23. Characterize the major political parties in the U.K. (Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrats). The position of these parties in the House of Commons today.

24. Expand on the role of the Church in the life of the British people.

2. THE UNITED STATES and CANADA

1. Give an account of the geographical position of the United States, its advantages and disadvantages. The size of the country, its composition.

2. Outline the physical features of the United States, referring to the chief mountain ranges and plains. Give a general survey of the main rivers and lakes of the United States. Describe the climate and the chief climatic provinces of the USA. Account for the chief mineral resources of the United States and their role.

3. Describe how the New World was settled paying special attention to the story of Native Americans, one that is unique, tragic and inspiring? How do Native Americans fare today, their contribution to the country and to American English?

4. Examine the beginning of the colonization of North America by the first settlers from Europe. What considerations influenced many people to move to America? Who were the Pilgrim Fathers? Why are they held so high by the Americans? The May flower Compact.

5. Describe the role of immigration in the making of the American nation - a "melting pot** of nations. Characterize the main ethnic groups. Give a brief survey of the present population of the USA: density, distribution and other characteristics.

6. Discuss the reasons, development and consequences of the War of Independence (1775-1783).

7. Expand on the basic values of the American nation. Explain their importance. Expand on the notion "the frontier heritage", the heroes. What is political correctness?

8. Explain the social and cultural differences between the USA and Europe (the reasons and aftereffects).

9. Analyse the growing antagonism between the North and the South. Examine the chief events of the Civil War, its consequences.

10. Describe the territorial expansion of the USA in the first half of the 19^,h century.

11. The development of the USA after the Civil War. The Monroe Doctrine. American expansionism at the end of the 19* century.

12. Describe how and when the American Constitution was adopted. What caused the necessity of the "Bill of Rights"?

13. Explain what is meant by a "strict division and separation of powers" under the Constitution, outline the structure of the American Constitution.

14. Explain the structure of the Congress - the supreme legislative body. Discuss the election of Senators and Representatives and whom they represent.

15. Examine the main functions of the Congress, the process of passing a bill. Comment on how changes (amendments) in the Constitution are made.

16. Examine the institution of the American Presidency, its powers and major functions. Comment on the President's role in forming home and foreign policy. The main trends of American foreign policy. Relations with Russia, Belarus and other post-soviet states. New policy in the Obama presidency.

17. Describe the process of presidential elections, their indirect character. What is meant by an "electoral college"? Comment on the results of the presidential elections of the year 2008. Obama - the new US president

18. Give an account of the structure of the President's Administration - executive departments (ministries) and agencies.

19. Explain how constitutional protection against misused executive power is guaranteed in the United States. Expand on the system of checks and balances. The relations between the three branches of power. The Watergate scandal.

20. Characterize the main political parties in the USA (the Republicans and Democrats - history, political platform and role today). The results of the elections of November 2008 concerning the presidency and the control of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

21. Give a general survey of the 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada, and their role in the development of the State. Explain the importance of the British North America Act (1867).

22. Expand on the growing stature of Canada after World War II and today.

23. Characterize the political system of Canada (the Constitution, Parliament, government). The interrelationships of federal and provincial governments.

Expand of the role of different ethnic groups in the making of the population of Canada. Multiculturalism in Canada. What is a Canadian?

16 The organization of further education in Britain.The main types of universities.UCAS.

Post-school education:

After school children can go to colleges of further education:

• Sixth-form colleges (academic and non-academic education)– teach children 16-18;

• Tertiary colleges (academic courses + vocational courses) – teach children 16-18;

• General colleges;

• Vocational colleges (music, art, etc.);

• Technical colleges.

These colleges do not have degree-awarding power but provide courses leading to degrees validated by the universities.

Higher education:

Higher education is mostly provided by universities.Former polytechnics became Universities under the Education Reform Act 1998 and Futher and Higher Education Act 1992.

Entrance requirements for degree cources are set by the universities.Applications for undergraduate courses are delt with by UCAS(the Universities and Colleges Admission Service)

Admission is by examination or selection (interviews). Applications for places are sent to the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). An applicant can list up to 5 universities or colleges in order of preference. The UCAS sends a copy to each of the universities and colleges. If the applicants fulfill the conditions they are accepted.

History:

The first universities were set up in medieval times and Tudor times: Oxford (1167), Cambridge (1209), St. Andrew’s (1411). London University was founded in 1828 and is the largest traditional university in the country. The rapid growth of the cities in the 19^th century led to the establishment of so-called “red-brick” Universities (in Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, etc.). All these universities offer a full range of courses.

Open University – is a special type of university. It was founded in 1969 and is the Britain’s largest non-traditional university (210 000 students).It has to do with distance learning and is open to all people. There are no entry qualifications except a minimum age of 18. People who study there are making up for missed opportunities or gaining extra qualifications. They study at home:

• course materials are sent by post;

• there are special educational TV and radio programmes;

• use of modern technology: Internet-classes, CD libraries, etc.;

• sometimes face-to-face tutorials and examinations.

• Universities are autonomous and enjoy complete academic freedom. They appoint their own staff, determine the length and the content of their courses and decide which students to admit.

• Universities are funded by several government agencies (the Higher Education Funding Council) and by tuition fees they get from students. The fees are related to parents’ income. Students form poor families are exempt from fees. Sometimes loans for education are available. But still many capable young people from poor families find it difficult or impossible to get a place at a university (government’s goal – to help with grants and fee-costs).In Scotland students do not pay fees.After they graduate and their income reaches a specified level they will be taxed to cover the cost of the education.Each university sets the fees for postgraduates and overseas students

• Administration:

1. The Chancellor – is head of a university, he presides at the meetings of the council and degree-giving ceremonies;

2. The Vice- Chancellor – is the chief officer responsible for day-to-day management of a university;

3. The Council – the main governing body that consists of academic staff, non-academic staff (members of the local community) and a number of students, and is responsible for staff appointments and promotion;

Other 50 per cent of Council members are distinguished people.

• Most courses last 3 or 4 years (medical and veterinary- 5 years). The academic year is divided into 3 terms and begins in autumn. Universities are usually campus-based (halls of residence, libraries, entertainment places, etc.).

• Degrees/undergraduate qualifications:

* BA (Bachelor of Arts)/ BS (Bachelor of Science)/ BE (Bachelor of Education);

* MA (Master of Arts)/ MS (Master of Science)/ ME (Master of Education);

* PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Postgraduate courses may be taught courses, research courses or combination of both. Qualifications include diplomas, certificates,master degrees or doctorates.

At present there are 89 universities and 60 other higher educational institutions,which provide courses leading to degrees validated by the universities

14. Formation, role, development of Commonwealth Nations, and Br’s contribution to this org-n

The 20^th cent witnessed an intensive process of decolonisation of the British Empire. The nations that wanted independence were granted it. A tendency to decolonize grew into a desire to form a great ‘family’, a special union, for economic, cultural and social reasons. This ‘family’ is The Commonwealth of Nations, an association of sovereign states that have been ruled or are still being ‘ruled’ by Britain. Development: there are countries asking to join who have never been part of the Empire(eg.Mozambique,1995).members: South Africa(1994),Cameroon, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India,….The British Monarch is Head of the Commonweath.Total-54 countries. The Commonwealth of N-ts is listed on the Guinness Book as the World’s largest political alliance. Consultations between countries are known as High Commissioners. Heads of Gov-nt meet every two years. The Commonwealth Secretariat provides the central organization for consultation and co-operation among member states. Established in London in 1965,headed by a Secretary-General, and financed by member Gov-nts, the Secretariat is responsible to Commonwealth Gov-ts collectively. Commonwealth day is an annual event during which 54 countries celebrate their links with one another. This Day is held on the second Monday in March.

1. The Commonwealth Federation – supports non-governmental organisations, professional associations and cultural activities through grants and programmes.

2. The Commonwealth Institute – works with young people so that they grow up inquisitive about other cultures as well as their own, at ease with diversity and confident as global citizens.

3. The Commonwealth Games Federation – helps to organise the Commonwealth Games that are held every 4 years.

4. The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation – helps to promote business, social and economic development in the developing countries.

5. The Commonwealth Trade Union Council – links trade unions around the world and promotes international labour standards.

17 Give a general survey of the main 8 economic regions of the U.K., the main cities of each region.

The South industrial and Agricultural region, Central England or the Midlands, Lancashire, Yorkshire and North England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are also regarded as independent economic regions of the UK. The whole country consists of 8 economic regions.

The South industrial and Agricultural region:

It’s the most important region in the country in terms of industry, agriculture and population. The region includes all the South of England, both the South East and the South West.

The South is a region of various industries and of intensive agriculture. At the centre of everything is the city of London. Today about 6.7 million people live in Greater London. The great advantage is the port, that’s why people living in Greater London and its surrounding area provide a market for many imported goods, especially foodstuffs. The oldest industrial areas are near the city centre. Here industries such as clothing, furniture making and jewellery have tended to cluster in small distinct areas. The building of the docks led to the development of such typical port industries, as oil refining, steel-making. paper-making, etc., London’s industries are extremely varied, among them electrical engineering, instrument production, radio engineering, the motor car industry.

The other towns and cities, situated to the north of the Thames and connected with the capital in industrial specialization are Oxford, Cambridge and Luton. Oxford is a leading educational centre. Cambridge is also best known for its ancient university,which has an international reputation for scientific research, facilities for high technology research and highly trained labour. Luton became famous for industry.Luton became the country’s leading hat-making town, straw from the local crops furnishing the raw material.

Bristol is a major centre of non-ferrous metallurgy, aircraft and automobile industry , military hardware

The south is a major agricultural region of Great Britain. Agricultural specialization is different in the South West and South East and East. There is farming. Hence, dairying is the main farming activity here. Oats and barley make up the principal cereal. In the south-west-growing vegetables and flowers, in the east-farming, more than 90 per cent of farmland is occupied with wheat and barley ,in the south-market gardening and fruit farming.

The Midlands:

is situated in the centre of GB between the South Industrial and Agricultural region in the south and Lancashire and Yorkshire in the north. It is one of Britain’s leading industrial regions. West Midlands includes Birmingham(known as Black Country, there are iron industry, engineering and the finishing metals, hardware, the motor industry ,jewellery manufacture. It’s the industrial capital of the Midlands, the city is a major producer of consumer goods.),Coventry(trading in wool, making woolen cloths, the metal working and engineering industry, the silk industry,it’s the centre of the British motor industry),Wolverhampton(heavy engineering, matal founding, tyre production).

A great deal of the region Midlands is under grass, the principal crops are wheat, along with potatoes and sugar beet, and a great variety of vegetables is produced

Lancashire and Yorkshire:

Are situated to the north of the Midlands.

Lancashire is a historic centre of British industry.2 major centres in this region: Merseyside(cotton industry, there is a leading port, chemical industry, the motor car industry, shipbuilding and ship repairing, glass manufacture) and Greater Manchester(txtile industry, it’a a commercial city, clothing manufacture, engineering, agriculture.

The economy of Yorkshire was always closely connected with wool. North Yorkshire is mainly a rural farming region. Barley and wheat are major crops. In Yorkshire there are 3 main industrial centres: the south Yorkshire, the north Y.,the west Y.

North England:

2 main centres of industrial activity: one situated in the north-east and the other in the north-west.(the most important, which includes Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Sunderland and Teesside. There are iron industry, finishing industry,s hipbuilding, electrical engineering, coal mining, the chemical industry, agriculture)

Wales:

South Wales is the main area of industrial activity, it’s coalfield region. Also there are iron and steel industry, manufacture of non-ferrous metals. Cardiff is the largest city in South Wales, the national capital and business centre, there are coal mining and iron industries. In general, Wales, faces serious social and economis problems, caused by the depression of its traditional industries.

Scotland:

Divided into 3 parts: the Scottish Highlands, the Southern Uplands,(there is rainfall, sheep, beef cattle),the Central Lowlands(the Glasgow is in the centre of industrial activity, there are manufacturing, textile and clothing production, there is farming)

New Towns(electronics)

Edinburgh(heavy industry, paper manufacture, because it’ a a university city)

The region Scotland is beset by the decline of the traditional industries which has led to high unemployment. The main activities are coal mining, steel production and shipbuilding.

Northern Ireland:

Farming, shipbuilding and the manufacture of textiles(in the 1050s)

The textile industry came to depend almost entirely on linen which was made from flax grown in the province.NI has one of the largest concentrations of man-made fibre production in Western Europe. The engineering industry has been dominated by shipbuilding. With the introduction of iron ships, the industry was forced to import from Britain most of its rawmaterials, including coal, iron and steel.

Belfast-a major centre of textile manufacture, shipbuilding, aircraft production, electrical engineering and food processing.

Londondery-besides its textile and clothing industries, flour milling and bacon curing are also developing.

19. Outline the development and specialization of Midlands, Lancashire, Yorkshire .and the North;

THE MIDLANDS Situated in the centre of GB between the South region and Lancashire & Yorkshire. leading industrial region. Engineering & finishing of metals. Often is called the Black Country due to its mass industrialization. Famous articles in gold & silver. Producer of consumer goods. Coventry - motor industry. Wolver Hampton on-heavy engineering, tyre production.

Leicester, Nottingham-the knitwear industry, manufacture of knitting machines. Derby-important railway engineering centre: In the south-west -the Potteries, famous for its pottery and ceramics industry. Much of the region under grass. Dairy cattle -in the wetter west, beef cattle in the drier east. Sheep numerous. Principal crops -wheat, barley, potatoes, sugar beet. Gardening.

LANCASHIRE

2 major centres: Merseyside (centre- On Liverpool: chemical industry, motor car industry) & Greater Manchester (Manchester-engineering, Blackpoll-popular resort) Due to extensive industrial development agriculture is less developed.

YORKSHIRE Situated to the east of the Pennine mountains. 3 main industrial centers: Sheffield, in the south (produces a wide range of steel goods besides cutlery) ,- Leeds ( manufacture of cloathing, engineering) , Bradford (worsted and woolen manufacture) and Scunthorpe (steel industry) in the west, and the number ports of Hull, Immingham and Grimsby Important ports) . York-centre of tourism. Yorkshire Agriculture: sheep grazing on the rough pastures of the area.

THE NORTH 2 main centers: 1-in the northeast near the rivers Tyne, Wear and Tees (Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Sunderland & Teesside (the chemical industry) ) ; 2-in the north-west in Cumberland (Workington, Whitehaven, Barrow-in-Furness. Most important is the North -East( electrical engineering & engineering connected with construction work for the production of North Sea oil). Industrial development in the Nortn-West is less extensive than in the North East. Abundance of water-building a nuclear power station, which needs plenty of water for cooling. Agriculture is affected by the wet climate Sheep grazing .In the North East -more beef cattle than dairycattle.

21 The causes and consequences of the conflicts and divisions in Northern Ireland.

The problem of Northern Ireland is closely connected with religion because the Irish people can be divided into 2 religious groups: Catholic and Protestants. At the same time it as clear that the lighting between these 2 groups is closely connected with the colonial past, in 1169 Henry 2 of England started an invasion of Ireland. Although a large part of Ireland came under the control of the invaders, there wasn't much direct control from England during the middle ages. In the 16th century Henry 6 of England quarreled with Rome and declared himself Head of the Anglican church, which was a protestant church. Ireland remained Catholic, and didn't accept the change. Henry 8 tried to force them to become Anglican. He also punished them by taking most of their land. This policy was continued by Elizabeth I. But the Irish Catholics never gave up their struggle for independence and their rights. At the end of the 18th century there was a mass rising against the English colonizers which was crushed by the English army and in 1801 a forced union was established with Britain. All through the 19th century the "Irish question" remained in the centre of British polities. After a long and bitter struggle the southern part of Ireland finally became a free State in l921. Ulster where the protestants were in majority remained part of the UK. The Irish free State declared itself a Republic in 1949 and is known as the Irish republic of Eire. It is completely independent and its capital is Dublin. Northern Ireland had its own Parliament at Stormont in Belfast and government which was responsible for its province's life. But from the beginning the parliament was in the hands of Protestants while the Catholics didn't have equal rights with the Protestants. In 1969 .conflict started between these 2 groups and so the British government closed the local parliament

and sent in die British army to keep the peace. But there were no peace. On he Catholic side is the Irish Republic Army which wants to achieve a united Ireland by terrorism and bombings. On the Protestant side there are also secret terrorist organizations.

The Northern Ireland Assembly of 108 members was restored in 1998. Elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly were held in November 2003.However many difficulties still exist' to make this local parliament a workable body because of the confrontation between the parties representing the Protestant and Catholic communities. The Northern Ireland Assembly was established as part of the Belfast Agreement and meets in Parliament Buildings. The Assembly is the prime source of authority for all devolved responsibilities and has full legislative and executive authority. Elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly took place on the 7th March 2007 and the Northern Ireland Assembly was restored on the 8th of May 2007

22 . Britain today. The change of the Government 2007

Great Britain is one of the world’s major industrialized and trading nations. It enjoys a long established democratic system of government which has provided political stability. The UK is a member of the European community, the United Nations Organization, the North Atlantic Treaty organization and the Commonwealth.

Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy. The constitution exists in no one document but is a centuries-old accumulation of statutes, judicial decisions, usage, and tradition. Sovereignty rests in Parliament, which consists of the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the crown. Effective power resides in the Commons, whose 646 members are elected from single-member constituencies. The executive-the cabinet of ministers headed by the prime minister, who is the head of government-is usually drawn from the party holding the most seats in the Commons; the monarch usually asks the leader of the majority party to be prime minister.

In May, 1979, the Conservatives returned to power under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher, who set out to reverse the postwar trend toward socialism by reducing government borrowing, freezing expenditures, and privatizing state-owned industries. in Nov., 1990 John Major became party leader and prime minister. In the elections of May, 1997, Labour won 418 seats in the House of Commons by following a centrist political strategy. Tony Blair, head of what he called the "New Labour" party, became prime minister. Because of some scandals which are connecting with Iraq, , Blair announced in September that he would resign as prime minister sometime in 2007. When he stepped down in June, 2007, Gordon Brown, who had served a decade as chancellor of the exchequer under Blair, succeeded him as prime minister.

In May, 2009, Britain's political parties became enveloped in a scandal over inappropriate expenses claimed by members of Parliament. Revelations concerning those expenses led a number of legislators to announce they would not run again. Several government ministers resigned-some as a result of the scandal, some in protest against it and the prime minister-and the speaker of the House of Commons, accused of failing to prevent the abuses and of trying to prevent release of the information, was forced to step down. . The scandal affected all the parties, especially Labour, which suffered significant losses in the local English and European parliament elections held in June.

20 Outline the contribution of Scotland and Northern Ireland to the development of the UK.

SCOTLAND is divided into 3 parts: the Scottish Highlands ,occupies the mountain area in the northern part of the country, the Southern Uplands, covers lower hill area in he south £ the Central Lowlands occupying the wide valley which separates the other two areas.

The Central Lowlands-industrial heart of Scotland. Glasgow-seaport (trade with North America), industrial activity which one of the major industrial centers of Britain with coal, steel, shipbuilding and engineering. Textile and clothing production is important. Food products, furniture & office equipment are manufactured. Edinburgh – is the capital of Scotland; textile, paper manufacture, printing and publishing. Aberdeen -North Sea oil; fishing industry. The natural conditions of Scotland have affected agriculture. The Central Lowlands - suited for farming. Arable, farming is much widespread in the east with barley, oats and wheat as the main cerial crops. In the Southern uplands - sheep raising.

NORTHERN IRELAND is unique Most Ireland has one of the largest concentrations of man-made fibre -production in Western Europe. Textile manufacture -in Belfast. The manufacture of clothing and footwear is developed. Londonderry specializes in the manufacture of shirts. Belfast -the province's main port. Belfast - textile manufacture, shipbuilding, aircraft production, electrical engineering & food processing

18. Expand on the role of the British Economy. Give an assessment of the contribution of the South economic region to the development of the country.

The British economy is primarily based on private enterprise. Some industries were nationalized after World War II. Part of public transport, the power industry, the coal mines, some steel, manufacturing plants are managed by the state. The atomic industry is also within the public sector. The national economy of GB is vitally dependent on foreign trade. Agriculture supplies nearly 2/3 of the country’s food and employs about 2.5 per cent of Britain’s employed labour force.

Despite government policies there has been a marked growth of concentration of industry in the traditional industrial regions, especially in South-East England, because the South has the advantages for the location of modern industry.

23. Political parties of the UK

The major political parties in the UK are Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrats. The Cons. And Labour parties are the most powerful. As a rule, they control Parliament. There is a two-party system in Britain. The Cons. And L parties share power, they control the state mechanism, only these 2 parties have access to the management of the state, though in reality there exist other parties.

The Cons. Party of GB was officially organized in 1867 on the basis of political groups of the English landed aristocracy(in 17^th cent it was called the Tory party).In the 19 th the Cons party became the main party of British top monopoly capital. It has no official permanent programme. The party issues a pre-election manifesto which states the main aspects of the home and foreign policies of the future Cons government if the party wins the elections. Structurally the party consists of 650 local associations. The Cons party has no official membership, no membership cards and party dues. Formally the highest organ in the party is the annual conference. However,actual power is concentrated in the hands of the leader of the party. The party issues its own paper Newsletter, the official journals of the party are Time and Tide, Politics Today.

The Labour party was established in 1900 on the intiative of the trade unions and several socialist organizations.the main aim was to win working class representation in Parliament. The home policy of the L.party IS BASED ON PRINCIPLES OF REFORMISM. Reforms favoured nationalization of the economy, a state-run health and educ.system, some improvements in social security.The leader of the party is elected by a college of electors including representatives of three bodies – the trade unions, local organizations and the Labour Parliamentary party. Some right-wing politicians left the Labour party in 1981 and formed another party known as the Social-Democratic party. In 1988 the 2 parties finally merged together under the name the Social-Democr party. There are about 7.3 mln members in the labour party, of which over 600 thous of individual members and more than 6 mln collective members. Local party organiz-s – the bases of the party. The annual conference which elects the National Executive with 25 members is the highest organ of the party. The leader of the party, his deputy, the treasure, the Chairman and the general secretary are all members of the Nat Ex.There is a constant struggle between the right and left wings of the party. Paper - Labour News

The Liberal Democr p. was organized in 1877. The history is associated with the Whig party. (interests of bourgeoisie) The party is opposite to the policy of Charles II. “Whig” from “whiggamore”(cattle-drover). Began as a term of abuse used by opponents. 19^th cent – formation of the Liberal party(bourgeois intellectuals formed the social basis).Liberals formed an alliance with the Social Democr party which emerged in 1981 as a result of a split in the Labour party. 1988 – Liberals+Social Dem =Soc-Lib Democr party. The party was set to take a centrist stand in the political spectrum of GB.

In the elections of May, 1997, Labour won 418 seats in the House of Commons by following a centrist political strategy. TonyBlair , head of what he called the "New Labour" party, became prime minister.

Today. in June, 2007, Gordon Brown - prime minister. Prime Minister Brown took the lead internationally in attempting to stabilize the financial system by recapitalizing a number of major banks with government funds. In May, 2009, Britain's political parties became enveloped in a scandal over inappropriate expenses claimed by members of Parliament. Revelations concerning those expenses led a number of legislators to announce they would not run again. Several government ministers resigned-some as a result of the scandal, some in protest against it and the prime minister-and the speaker of the House of Commons, accused of failing to prevent the abuses and of trying to prevent release of the information, was forced to step down. . The scandal affected all the parties, especially Labour, which suffered significant losses in the local English and European parliament elections held in June.