Discussion
Ex. 1. Complete the following sentences in part A by adding the phrases given in part B.
A:
A constitution is ...
The British constitution is made up of ...
Most modern constitutions have adopted ...
The executive branch puts ...
Law courts constitute ...
The first reading of a bill is followed by ...
If the Lords agree to a bill ...
The composition of government may vary both ...
The Cabinet can always have ...
The job of Lord Chancellor is ...
The United Kingdom is...
British constitution is…
B:
... the judicial branch.
... in the number of ministers and in titles.
... administration of all courts, judicial appointments and appointment of magistrates.
... more than a mechanical set of ground rules.
... the laws into effect.
... it will be passed before the Queen for signature.
... the last word.
... statute law, common law and conventions.
... a debate in general principle.
... the principle of separation of powers.
… a constitutional monarchy
… is not contained in any siugal document.
Ex. 2. Mark the statements which are true and prove your idea.
The Constitution describes the life of the people.
The Constitution is contained in a lot of documents.
In Britain Parliament is the supreme authority.
Law courts interpret and apply laws.
To become an Act of Parliament a bill must be signed by the Queen.
In the House of Commons a bill must pass only one reading.
The Lords can reject any bill.
The Government consists of about seventy politicians.
The Cabinet proceedings are private and confidential.
The Court judgements are the subject to ministerial direction or control.
Ex. 3. Complete the following text with the words and pharases from the box. Speak on the reforms in the British Parlament
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proposal
remain
membership
honour
chamber
hereditary
legislation
the House of Lords
executive
public issues
to undergo
relevant
confidence
government
measures
to produce
voter-friendly
The Lords reform 1) _______ published at the end of 2001 suggested.
reshuffling of lords 2) ________;
separating from the peerage, which would 3) ______ purely as a formal 4) _________;
getting rid of the last of the 5) _______ members of 6) ________;
The job of the House of Lords will remain principally to consider and revise 7) _______, to scrutinise the 8) _______ and to debate and report on 9) _____.
The House of Commons is 10) ______ considerable changes as well. The Commons reform is aimed at boosting public 11) ______ that Parliament is 12) _____ to their lives. The proposals also include 13) ________ to help MPs to keep te government in check and better laws. There are the plans to make 14) _______ more Parliament more “friendly” for MPs, but rather 15) _______.
Ex 4. Answer the questions:
What is the British Constitution formed up with?
What does the Constitution reflect?
What principle does the Constitution safeguard?
What are the functions of Parliament?
How long does Parliament hold the office?
What is the life of a Parliament?
How is the House of Commons elected?
Are there any allowances for MPs?
Who is the chief officer of the House of Commons?
What are his responsibilities?
What is the composition of the House of Lords?
Who is the house of lords presided by?
How does he conduct his business?
How is the Prime Minister chosen in Britain?
What does “cabinet government” mean? What are its strengths and weakness?
Ex. 5. Speak on the British Constitution
a) The Constitution itself as the supreme law:
the political and ideological structure, to make and enforce laws, to reflect the national soul, to protect the values, to contain, to make up, to alter a convention, to prevent, to vest with powers, to be the supreme authority, to put into effect, to constitute, to interpret laws, to apply laws.
b) Parliament:
to require for legislation, to pass laws, to adopt, to sign, to introduce a bill, the first reading, to debate, to give detailed consideration, to amend, to reject.
c) Government:
to hold office, to be responsible for, to create, to abolish, to transfer, to be composed of, to have the last word, the Cabinet sanction, the Court of Appeal.
d) Judiciary:
to be independent, judgements, control, to recommend, the Lord Chancellor, legal system, administration of courts, judicial appointments, the appointment of magistrates.
Ex. 6. Fill in the table. Use the information from the unit.
Legislative
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The Monarch
The head of state
Parliament |
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The House of Lords
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The House of Commons
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Executive |
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The Government |
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The Cabinet
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The Prime Minister
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