I. Fill in the blanks with the correct words.

1. When the political parties began to form in the 18th century certain distinguished persons ___as leaders.

2. The growth of political parties in England was as gradual and ___as other changes in the government.

3. Today the Labour party advocates a mixed programme based on the platform of ___ reformism.

4. One of the most important things the Conservative party has accepted (from the Whigs) are the teachings of John Locke about___ and about___.

5. Before a general election the Conservative party issues a pre-election ___stating the main aspects of the home and foreign policies of the future Conservative government if the party wins the election.

6. In the political system of Great Britain, the Liberal-Social Democratic party occupies an ___ position between the Labour and Conservative parties.

7. The Government is ___with the administration of national affairs.

8. The Cabinet is a ___organ of Government composed of about 20 most important ministers.

9. The Cabinet is the ___of the political power of the United Kingdom at the present time.

II. Complete the sentences with the best answer (a, b or c).

1. The former executive powers of the Sovereign in the early Privy Council were transferred to

a) a Cabinet.

b) a Prime Minister and a Cabinet.

c) Parliament.

2. Membership of the Labour party is also mixed, though the majority are members of

a) middle-class people.

b) trade unions.

c) working people.

3. There are also many working-class people who vote for Conservative candidates because they believe in

a) radical changes.

b) social reform.

c) socialism.

4. Before a general election the Conservative party issues

a) a pre-election programme.

b) a pre-election manifesto.

c) a pre-election statement.

5. The leader of the majority party is appointed Prime Minister by the Sovereign and all the ministers are appointed by

a) the Prime Minister.

b) the Sovereign.

c) Parliament.

III. Are the statements true or false? Correct the false statements.

1. Sir Robert Walpole who headed the Government from 1721 to 1742 is generally regarded as the first Prime Minister.

2. Before the 17th century, there were rival groups of nobles who might struggle for power, as in the Wars of the Flowers (1455-85) and there were adherents of different religious principles, but there were no political parties in the modern sense.

3. By the 20th century the two parties were the Conservatives and the Liberals, direct descendants of the older Tory and Whig parties. 4. Nearly all trade unions contribute funds to the political activities of the Labour party, though many of the leaders of the unions are not leaders of the party.

5. The Conservative party was officially formed in 1867 on the basis of political groups of the English landed bourgeoisie.

6. In the political system of Great Britain the Liberal-Social Democratic party occupies an intermediate position between the Labour and Conservative parties and advocates reforms without socialism.

7. However, any Prime Minister today must possess initiative, be able to organize others and get his policies accepted and pushed through Parliament.

8. The Prime Minister cannot recommend to the Sovereign a dissolution of Parliament before the normal time for a general election has come.