I. Match the phrases in English with their Russian equivalents. Find the sentences with them in the text and read them out.

to run the party	партия тори
a Scottish Preacher	ирландский разбойник
right-wing party	ист. виги
development of Trade Unionism	Консервативная партия
electoral method in use	Либеральная партия
Whigs	Либерально-демократическая партия
an Irish highwayman	Лейбористская партия
elected to the House of Commons	социал-демократическая партия
the Conservative party	шотландский проповедник
the Liberal party	возглавлять партию
the Labour Party	правая партия
the Party of Liberal Democrats	развитие профсоюзов
the Social Democratic Party	используемый избирательный метод
the Tory Party	избранный в Палату Общин

II. Answer the following questions. Give extensive answers.

1. When did political parties first emerge in Britain?

2. What British parties were the only elected to the House of Commons?

3. What is the present ruling party in Great Britain?

4. How many parties obtain seats in the House of Commons?

5. Which party is called the Tory Party? What does “tory” mean?

6. What are the political ideas of the Conservative Party?

7. Who supports the Conservative Party?

8. Which party is the opposition to the Conservative? What does “whig” mean?

9. What classes did the Liberal Party represent?

10. Is the Labour Party supported by the rich and privileged or by working-class and middle-class people?

11. How can you explain the expressions “right-wing” and “left-wing”?

III. Read the sentences and say if they are true or false. Correct the false ones.

1. The Conservative and Labour parties are the oldest in Great Britain.

2. The Party of Liberal Democrats was made by an alliance of the Social Democratic Party and the Liberal Party.

3. All the British parties may obtain seats in the House of Commons.

4. Right-wing party tends to be opposed to the established order of society.

5. The Conservative Party is also called the Tory Party.

6. “Whigs” is a party of those who believe in private enterprise.

IV. Talking point.

Discuss the following information with your partner.

The political party system is essential to the working of the constitution. Although the parties are not registered or formally recognized in law, most candidates for election belong to one of the main parties. Since 1945 eight general elections have been won by the Conservative Party and six by the Labour Party. A number of smaller parties have national and local organizations outside Parliament, and are also represented in local government.

The Government is formed by the party with majority support in the Commons. The second largest party forms the official Opposition, with its own leader and 'shadow cabinet'. The Opposition has a duty to challenge government policies and to present an alternative programme.