UNIT 1
INTRODUCTION
Preliminary discussion
1. The President of Russia and the English Queen are the heads of their countries.
2. There are many differences between their constitutional rights.
3. Legislative power in Russia is vested in the two chambers of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. The 628-member parliament, termed the Federal Assembly, consists of two chambers, the 450-member State Duma (the lower house) and the 176-member Federation Council (the upper house).
4. The President of the Russian Federation and the highest legislative body are independent from each other.
5. Despite the fact that the Constitution of Russia does not explicitly determine the President as the head of the executive branch, the Executive power is de facto split between the President and the Prime Minister, who is the head of government.
Judges are approved by the President after being nominated by the qualifying collegia, which are assemblies of judges.
6. The Russian government system is closer to American system.
Lesson 1.
Exercises
A. Reading
1.
1.The Union Flag, popularly known as the Union Jack, is the national flag of the United Kingdom. It is called the Union Flag because it symbolizes the administrative union of the countries of the United Kingdom. It is made up of the individual Flags of three of the Kingdom's countries all united under one Sovereign - the countries of 'England, of 'Scotland' and of 'Northern Ireland' (since 1921 only Northern Ireland has been part of the United Kingdom). As Wales was not a Kingdom but a Principality it could not be included on the flag.
It is made of 3 crosses, each representing the patron saints of its main nations. England is represented by the red cross of St. George. Scotland is represented by the flag of St. Andrew (a diagonal white cross form (called a saltire) on a blue field). Ireland is represented by the cross of St. Patrick (a diagonal red cross on a white background.)
2. A unitary state is a sovereign state governed as one single unit in which the central government is supreme and any administrative divisions (subnational units) exercise only powers that the central government chooses to delegate.
A limited (constitutional) monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a written (i.e., codified), unwritten (i.e., uncodified) or blended constitution.
The Royal Standard, the monarch’s flag, shows 3 English gold lions against red background, the red Scottish lion against gold background, and the Irish gold harp against black background.
A Sovereign (monarch) is the person who heads a monarchy, a form of government in which a country or entity is usually ruled or controlled by an individual who normally rules for life or until abdication, and typically inherit the throne by birth.
Anglo-Saxons is the term usually used to describe the invading Germanic tribes in the south and east of Great Britain from the early 5th century AD, and their creation of the English nation, to the Norman conquest of 1066.
7. The Celts were a group of peoples that occupied lands stretching from the British Isles to Gallatia. Over the 500 or so years leading up to the first Roman invasion a Celtic culture established itself throughout the British Isles.
8. The Romans were the people from a city called Rome in what is now Italy. The Romans arrived in Britain in 55 BC. The Romans invaded Britain in AD 43.
9. The Danes, also called Vikings, another british invaders.
10. The overlord - sovereign, master
11. The Code of English Law – the collection of the all old customs and laws followed by the Anglo-Saxons, created by the order of Alfred the Great.
2.
1. The monarchical history of England begins with the Anglo-Saxons, the invaders from the Continent who began to raid the towns and villages of the Celtic inhabitants of the British Isles in the 5th century AD, after the departure of the Romans. – История английской монархии берет свое начало с Англо-Саксов, захватчиков с Континента, которые начали с овершать набеги на города и села Кельтских жителей Британских островов в 5 веке до н.э., после ухода Романцев.
2. The invaders drove the Celts, who lived on the island, to Wales and Cornwall – the mountainous districts in the West – and to the northern part of the island, where Scotland is situated now. – Захватчики вытеснили Кельтов, живших на островах, к Уэльсу и Корнвеллу – горным районам на Западе – и к северной части островов, где сейчас расположена Шотландия.
3. It was in their common interests because new invaders began to threaten them – the Danes, also called Vikings. – Это было в их общих интересах потому что новые захватчики начали представлять для них опасность - Датчане, также называемые Викингами.
4. The legend says that once he was defeated in a battle against the Danes and had to hide in a little hut of a shepherd, whose wife asked him to look after the cakes, which she was baking. – Легенда гласит, что однажды он потерпел поражение в битве против Датчан и вынужден был скрываться в маленькой хижине пастуха, жена которого пекла пироги и попросила его присмотреть за ними.
5. When the woman returned, she got angry and, knowing nothing about his being king, she scolded him well. – Вернувшись, женщина разозлилась и, не зная что он король, долго его бранила.
6. During a feast held in honour of St. Augustine he saw among the guests a certain outlaw, and, in his attempt to seize him, was stabbed with a dagger and died. - Во время праздника, проводимого в честь Св. Августина, он увидел среди гостей нарушителя закона и, в попытке связать его, получил ранение кинжалом и умер.
3.
1) A patron saint is a saint who is regarded as the intercessor and advocate in heaven of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, clan, family, or person. Patron saints, because they have already transcended to the metaphysical, are believed to be able to intercede effectively for the needs of their special charges. Some consider it a special devotion to God by displaying humility in asking a saint for intercession instead of being answered themselves.
2) Legislative Branch - The elected law-making branch of government. The legislative branch can initiate and rescind laws and is the only authority able to approve proposed laws, although the constitution of many jurisdictions allow persons or agencies of the executive branch to propose laws.
The executive branch is the administrative arm of government; the one with the most employees as it operates, implements and enforces all the laws created by the legislative branch, and as adjusted, from time to time, by the judiciary.
Judicial Branch - A branch of government; judges. Members of courts of law; a special independent group of people tasked within the constitution of a nation, with the resolution of disputes in regards to the constitution or any other law, or the interrelation thereof, and in regards to any private disputes in regards to the entitlements of persons under the laws as set by the legislative branch as well as the hearing and sentencing of any person of whom the executive branch, on behalf of the government, has alleged the commission of a crime.
3) Invaders from the continent - three powerful Germanic nations: Saxons from northern Germany and Holland; Angles from the south of the Danish peninsula, an area still known as Angeln; and Jutes from Jutland. The invaders are thus usually termed Anglo-Saxons. The first Anglo-Saxons to reach Britain came by invitation, possibly even before the Roman government had collapsed. They came in war bands, under their own chiefs, as mercenaries to help defend Britain against attacks from Ireland, Scotland and the Continent. These first small groups later combined into larger units and began to colonize Britain, sending word to their homelands of the easy pickings. Larger-scale invasions followed.
4) A hereditary ruler – a monarch, that get the authority by right of inheritance.
5) A warrior – is a person experienced in or capable of engaging in combat or warfare, especially within the context of a tribal or clan-based society that recognizes a separate warrior class.
6) Ambitious - 1. having ambition; eagerly desirous of achieving or obtaining success, power, wealth, a specific goal, etc.: ambitious students.
2. showing or caused by ambition: an ambitious attempt to break the record.
3. strongly desirous; eager: ambitious of love and approval.
4. requiring exceptional effort, ability, etc.: an ambitious program for eliminating all slums.
7) To reign – 1.to possess or exercise sovereign power or authority.
2. to hold the position and name of sovereign without exercising the ruling power.
3. to have control, rule, or influence of any kind.
4. to predominate; be prevalent.
8) An alliance - a formal agreement or treaty between two or more nations to cooperate for specific purposes.
9) To succeed – to come next in time or succession; follow after another; replace another in an office or a position: She succeeded to the throne. (наследовать)
10) An outlaw – a person excluded from normal legal protection and rights. (лицо, объявленное вне закона)
11) A contemporary – a person belonging to the same time or period with another or others.
12) A heir – a person who inherits or has a right of inheritance in the property of another following the latter's death; a person who inherits or is entitled to inherit the rank, title, position, etc., of another.
13) Ill-advised – performed, carried out, or done without the benefit of wise counsel or careful prior deliberation. (опрометчивый, неразумный, неблагоразумный, необдуманный)
4.
1) The Anglo-Saxons are the invaders from the Continent who began to raid the towns and villages of the Celtic inhabitants of the British Isles in the 5th century AD, after the departure of the Romans.
2) The Celts were the tribes, who lived on the island. The invaders drove them to Wales and Cornwall and to the northern part of the island.
3) The Romans invaded Britain in AD 43. It was to take over the island. The Romans were to stay for many years. The emperor Claudius sent an army of 40,000 men. It landed safely. The emperor sent not only foot soldiers but cavalry as well. Many tribes in Britain realised the sheer power of this army and made peace quickly with the Romans. Some took on the might of the Roman army. These clashes went on for many years and in parts of Britain, the Romans never actually gained full control. Though the Roman army has achieved fame for its effectiveness as a fighting force, the Britons were skilled and ferocious warriors.
4) In 828 Egbert, King of Wessex, was acknowledged as the overlord by Mercia and Northumbria. This was really the beginning of the united kingdom of England.
5) It was necessary for the Saxon kingdom to unite because new invaders began to threaten them – the Danes.
6) Alfred the Great lived in 9th century.
7) The legend of “ burnt cakes ”says that once he was defeated in a battle against the Danes and had to hide in a little hut of a shepherd, whose wife asked him to look after the cakes, which she was baking. Being preoccupied with his own thoughts, Alfred did not see how the cakes were burnt. When the woman returned, she got angry and, knowing nothing about his being king, she scolded him well.
8) There are few things we know about Alfred for sure. We know that he was twenty-two, when he came to the throne. Like his brothers, he was a great warrior, but he was also a man of learning. He fought when he had to fight, but never a day longer than if was necessary. And he turned immediately to restore his kingdom, to organize its administration. He ordered that the old customs and laws followed by the Anglo-Saxons should be collected in the first Code of English Law. Above all, he tried to preserve and develop culture. He himself, in his middle age, began to study Latin in order to translate books "which arc most needful for my men to know". Alfred the Great died in 899.
9) Athelstan wanted to unite the entire island. Many British rulers envied him, and a strong alliance was formed against him, but he defeated them and had a quiet reign until his death in 939.
10) Edmund I, Edred and Edward the Martyn reiged especially briefly.
11) The King Aethelred was given nickname “ the Unready ”, which means “ill-advised” – first by his mother, then by the other advisers with those help he ruled the country so badly that the Danes conquered most of its territory and from 1016 till 1042 England was ruled by the Danish kings.
12) In 1042 the Saxon royal line was restored on the English throne by Edward the Confessor. It came to an end in 1066 when began the Norman Conquest of England.
- Guided composition
Assignments
1.
Battlefield - поле битвы
An artful manoevre – искуссный маневр
A false retreat – ложное отступление
In hot pursuit – в погоню
A heap of stones – груда камней
Heather - вереск
To witness - свидетельствовать
Commonsense – здравый смысл, практичность
Subjects - подданные
Invasions - вторжения
To be conquered - быть завоеванным
2.
- Why was October 14, 1066, called “a fateful date of English history”?
On this day the fate of England was sealed. The army of Duke William the Conqueror landed on the territory of England, where a great battle took place.
- What artful manoevre of Duke William turned the balance of forces in his favour?
He ordered to his army to make a false retreat and when the Saxes rushed in hot pursuit he stopped his soldiers and order to shut into the air, this was narrows turning back to the ground killed a lot of enemy troops.
- How did king Harold die?
One of the narrows got into his eye.
- What did the people call the abbey that William the Conqueror had built on the former battlefield? Is it still here?
The abbey of St. Martin of Tours got another name among the people – the abbey of the Battle. At this place nowadays there are only its ruins.
- What marks the place where King Harold fell dead?
The heap of stones makes this place.
- What words does the writer choose to describe the place as it looks now?
A lonely corner hidden by the huge trees from the other world. There is an absolute silence here and only the sound of bells of the church of the Battle bothers it from time to time. The heather covers the stones that had a chance to witness the greatest event in all the human history.
- What features does he stress in William’s character? What kind of man he was?
He stresses his commonsense and his iron will, he never knew any hesitations or doubts, he was a true optimist.
- Did the Norman Conquest change England for the better or for the worse?
For the better, because since that time the island so used to invasions was never conquered anymore.
C. Reading
Exercises
1.
The Middle Ages - the period from the end of classical antiquity (or the deposition of the last W Roman emperor in 476 AD) to the Italian Renaissance (or the fall of Constantinople in 1453)
The Plantagenets – the famous royal dynasty that reigned England till the end of the Middle Ages.
The Crusade - any of the military expeditions undertaken in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries by the Christian powers of Europe to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims
The Magna Carta - the charter granted by King John at Runnymede in 1215, recognizing the rights and privileges of the barons, church, and freemen
The Hundred Years’ War - the series of wars fought intermittently between England and France from 1337-1453: after early victories the English were expelled from all of France except Calais
The Peasants’ Revolt – the famous revolt broken out in 1381 organized by workmen, the leader was Wat Tyler.
2.
After being released for a great ransom he returned to England where his brother seized the throne – После освобождения за большой выкуп он вернулся в Англию, где его брат захватил трон.
Richard the Lion Heart had never been an ideal king depicted by Walter Scott in his novel – Ричард Львиное Сердце никогда не был идеальный королем, как его изображал Вальтер Скотт в своем романе.
Also Edward invaded Normandy and won a great victory in the Battle at Crecy - Также Эдуард вторгся в Нормандию и одержал большую победу в битве при Креси.
3.
A pilgrim – a person who undertakes a journey to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion
A romantic fame - state of being widely known or recognized as a romantic personality;
To rebel against smth – to resist or rise up against a government or other authority, esp by force of arms
A charter granting legal liberties – a formal document from the sovereign or state giving liberties officially
To tear up liberation acts – to break up the document giving liberties
4.
1. The daughter of Henry 1, Lady Matilda led the civil war against King Stephen, because he was unpopular.
2. Richard 1 got his name Richard the Lion Heart for his boldness and cruelty. He was also very proud and all the time quarreling with other leaders.
3. Crusaders didn’t have much success and achieved little except the promise of Saladin to let Christian piligrims enter the Holy City of Jerusalim.
4. On his way home Richard was captured by Duke Leopold of Austria and spent more than a year in prison. Hi died during the siege of one of the castles captured by King Philip in Normandy. Actually he wasn’t an ideal king, he paid little attention to England and mostly it was his brother John who ruled the country
5. After his death there was his brother John ruling the country. He cruelly robbed the barons of their lands and deserved the nickname John the Lackland. But then the lords rebelled against him and made him sign the charter granting their legal liberties – the Magna Carta.
6. During the Hundred Years’ War the English fleet destroyed a larger French fleet in 1340 and in 1345 Edward III invaded Normandy and won a great victory in the Battle at Crecy. Another important Victory was won by King Henry V in 1415 in the Battle at Agincourt. In the end in 1453 all French lands won by England were lost and the War was over.
7. The Peasant’s Revolt broke out in 1381 when there was King Richard II on the throne. In the end the leader of the Revolt was killed and the liberation acts were torn up.
D. Oral Composition
Assignment
Questions:
1. the life of poor people was very hard and the latest burden put upon them was a “poll tax” by which everyone had to pay a shilling a head.
2. a workman Wat Tyler killed a tax controller with his hammer, then the people declared him as a leader.
3. When the rebels reached the capital, they broke open the prisons, set the houses of many noblemen on fire and killed the Archbishop of Canterbury, who proposed the tax.
4. king Richard II 14 year old, rode out bravely t meet this dangerous crowd. He promised to fulfil all the demands of the people.
5. they wanted to be set free and their lands too, they didn’t want to be treated like slaves. Deciding meeting with the rebels the King wanted to calm the crowd and win the time in order to gather the forces in defence.
6. Wat Tyler and some others stayed in London to control the fulfilling of the King’s promise.
7. there was a quarrel between the labourers and the nobleman and seeing that Tyler put his hand on his sward, Lord Mayor of London struck him with a dagger.
8. Their leader was killed and the brave King promise to satisfy all their demands and ordered to follow him.
9. The Revolt ended with failure, the labourers were killed, the King appeared unable to keep his promises.
Summary
The Tudors
The period of Middle ages known in history was known in England as the Wars of the Roses. It was the War between two dynasties – Dynasty Plantagenet and dynasty Yorkist. And when the last Yorkist on the throne was killed (Richard III), his relative Henry Tudor (known as Henry III) became a king. He made all possible to let political power fall from the hands of aristocracy of blood to those of aristocracy of money. During his rein the state religion was changed. The England was a Roman Catholic country but after Henry III broke off with Rome, he considered himself a principal of Protestant branch of the Christian religion, - later Anglican Church. Henry confiscated most of the lands, which belonged to monasteries and churches and sold them to his supporters, in order to enlist gentry’s support. This monarch was one of the most bloody figures in English history. Although, we should confess, that he had done a lot so that England became the most powerful country.
After Henry’s death his children (Eduard VI, -a sickly child, Mary, - known as Bloody Mary for her cruel religious persecutions, as well as her wish that England become Catholic country and Elisabeth, known as Good Queen Bess for her reasonable rein during 45 years and guiding people through difficult times) were the rulers of the England.
Lesson 2
A. Reading
1.
The House of Stuarts – a new royal line on the English throne (after the name of James of Scotland, the son of Mary Stuart)
The Commonwealth – the republic that existed in Britain from 1649 to 1660 and the part of this period up to 1653, when Oliver Cromwell became Protector.
Now it is an association of sovereign states, almost all of which were at some time dependencies of the UK.
The Jacobites – the supporters of James II
Georgian England – England of reign by the four monarchs - George I,II,II,IV
The Hanoverians - a member or supporter of the house of Hanover or relating to the princely house of Hanover or to the monarchs of England or their reigns from 1714 to 1901
Regency – the last ten years of George’s III reign, when the country is ruled in his name by his son – George as Prince Regent
The British Empire – the flourishing of Britain, during the Victoria’s reign
“Victorianism” – period, relating to queen’s Victoria reign
2.
1. Elizabeth made her prisoner and eventually had to agree to her execution.
2….the son of the executed King returned from exile and became King Charles II.
3…and her passionate love to sweetmeat ruined her health.
4…but in 1707 the Scotish parliament in Edinburgh ceased to exist.
5. The King himself was unable to discharge his monarchical duties on the ground of “temporary insanity”.
3.
A political rival – a person, organization, etc., that competes with another for the same object or in the same field of politics
A successor – a person or thing that follows, a person who succeeds another in a throne
A pretender – a person who mounts a claim, as to a throne or title
Temporary insanity – disorder of the mind; state or condition of being insane for short period of time
To ascend the throne – to become king or queen
To be dethroned - to remove from a throne or deprive of any high position or title
4.
- Mary Stuart was the Queen of Scotland, and she died because she had a right for the English throne, but Elizabeth made her prisoner and executed.
- James Stuart was Mary’s son and he was the successor of the Queen Elizabeth. The Queen gave him this post.
- The House of Stuarts. No, the House of lords is used.
- The son of the executed King Charles I returned from exile and became King Charles II
- Unfortunately, no.
- The Jacobites were the James’s II supporters (from the name – Jacob or James). They wanted to regain the throne from Princess Mary and Prince William.
- The seventeen sons and daughters of Queen Anne died before they grew up. It ruined her health, as well as her passionate love to sweetmeat.
- The most important event during her reign is the union with Scotland.
- The Georgian period is the time of governing four monarchs with the name George - I,II,II,IV. During the reign of George II England lost its American colonies. Because the country this time was ruled by his son – George as Prince Regent.
- She ascended it on June 20, 1837and ruled for 74 years.
- Ideas of a happy and respectable family.
- The Queen was full of energy; - she controlled most of the word’s trade and ruled the biggest Empire, where the work never stopped.
Summary
The Victory of the Constitutional regime
The king’s Jacov governing was finished. Soon it was clear what most of the English people wanted. Only very few people supported the absolute king’s power, insisting on Yaakov’s returning to the throne. Less wanted on the throne Vilgelm Oranskiy. The compromises was suggested in such a way – to preserve the king’s throne, but with guaranties of liberties.
On the 13 th 1689 Vilgelm and his wife – Mary, the king’s Yaakov’s daughter were crowned. Both chambers of the parliament made the Bill of Rights, in which first were described the defenses and injustices because of which Yaakov deprived of the throne and then the list of Parliament’s and civil rights was announced. The coronation took place in Whitehall. With the presence of the whole Parliament the secretary of the House of Lords read the Bill of Rights. Both Vilgelm and his wife guarantied to submit themselves to Parliament’s authority.
In such a way the Revolution (The Glorious Revolution) was finished. And it was glorious not for the Bill of Rights, but for the fact that Vilgelm and his wife mounted the throne not by the right of inheritance or conquest, but by the free choice of Parliament, as the choice of the common people.
C. Oral Composition
Assignments
1. Read the text and find in it the Russian equivalents of the following
topical words and phrases:
in travelogues - в путевых записках
Madame Tussaud's (Exhibition) -музей мадам Тюссо
wax models - восковые фигуры
resentment - возмущение
recognition - узнавание
royal regalia - королевские регалии
incompetence - невежество
historical plays - хроники
moralistic - поучительный
to contrive doing smth - ухитриться сделать что-либо
strait jacket - смирительная рубашка
the King's robes - мантия
to breathe one's last (to go the way of all flesh) - отдать душу
to lay smb off - отстранять
to dismiss smb with a cold nod - прощаясь, холодно кивнуть кому-либо
2.
Summary
Wax models
They used to scold Madam Tussaud’s Exhibition in all travelogues. Everybody proves that these wax models are disgusting, are not connected with the art at all. The author supports the position of people and critics so he also resents because they are unanimous. Thus the author submits to their opinion. Sometimes the resentment goes away when the recognition of the kings, queens and royal regalia comes. Jonathan Swift tells that all wax models of Madam Tussaud’s represent “the mixture of the stupidity, incompetence, lust, spleen and spite”. The author knows some representatives of royal dynasties only from the historical plays of Shakespeare. One of the wax models is George III, who contrived reigning for 50 years been mad. Sometimes they even dressed him in a straight jacket so under the King’s robes it looked ordinary. The author has a talk to him, where he learns that George III liked the Art. During his ruling lived Constable, Turner. In 1811 he was laid off and in 1820 he breathed his last. Then George III dismisses the author with a cold nod.
D. GUIDED COMPOSITION
Assignments
1. Read the text, find in it the Russian equivalents of the following topical words and phrases:
Adoration- поклонение
to regret the bad weather- побранить плохую погоду
a buttered egg- вареное яйцо намазанное маслом
to map every moment of the day beforehand- заранее расписать каждую минуту
a farcical comedy- фарсовая комедия
ambiguity- двусмысленность
a jest- шутка
"not discreet"-неприличный
Women's Suffrage-права женщин
Whipping-порка кнутом
to unsex oneself- лишить кого-то половых признаков
the subjects- подданные
the Empress of India- императрица Индии
to fill a memorable place- занять почетное место
2. Read the text again, find in it the information about the following questions and, trying to use the words and phrases given in Task I, answer them in writing:
1.What sort of atmosphere invested the last period of Victoria's life?
The atmosphere of general adoration invested the last period of Victoria's life.
2.How long did it take her to recover from depression, which she had fallen in after her husband's death? What were the first signs of it?
It took her a long time to recover from depression. This process was very slow and gradually she became to feel better. Now she could quarrel a bad weather, not reminding the words of her husband that we should take all the things as they are, which we cannot change. Or she could have a supper without thinking that dear Albert used to eat buttered egg.
3.How did her life pass from year to year? What did she permit herself to do occasionally? What kind of plays did she prefer?
She had a strict schedule of life. Every moment of the day was mapped beforehand. She had the stable dates of visiting noble people. But from time to time the monotony of evenings was broken because she went to theatre, at the opera. She liked farcical comedies and plays with unexpected ending.
4. What was peculiar for her sense of humour? What was the famous remark that she used to make to show her disapproval?
She could not stand for ambiguity. The famous remark that she used to make to show her disapproval was “We are not amused!”
5. What did she think about meetings, which were held in London in favour of Women's Suffrage? Why was she against it? What did she say about the role of women in human society?
She was very angry about such meetings. She said that these women must had a whipping in public. God created men and women to be different. And they must remain in this way. The women would become the ugliest creatures if they would be unsexed.
6. Was she popular with her subjects and abroad? How does the author explain her popularity?
Yes, she was a popular figure even abroad because she reached a noble age and she was Queen of UK and empress of India. Besides she was a personality.
Lesson 3
English monarchy in the 20th century
A. READING
Exercises
1. Find in the text the following concepts, check your ability to explain them in English, and add them to your working vocabulary:
the House of Windsor is the changed name of the House of Saxe-Coburg
the Silver Jubilee celebrated King George V (25 years on the Throne)
the Church of England -the official Church of England, whose leader is the Queen or King.
the Abdication - giving up the position of being Queen or King.
As Queen Mother was know Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon(wife of King George VI)
2. Write out from the text the sentences or their parts, which contain the
words and phrases given below and translate them into Russian:
to promote friendship between nations - способствовать национальной дружбе
“…Having a gift for dealing with people, "Bertie", as he was called within the family circle, did a lot to promote friendship between nations and was often called "Edward the Peacemaker"…”
shipping broker - торговец на судне
“…In 1930 "David" got aquatinted with an American woman, Mrs Wallis Simpson, who had come to England with her second husband, a London shipping broker …”
to be in confronted with smth - столкнувшись с
“… Confronted with the choice between the Crown and the woman he loved, Edward abdicated in' favour of his younger brother George…”
stammering- заикание
“…Modest and quiet man, he did not like to be in public because of his stammering …”
to earn great respect by smth - заслужить уважение
“…When the World War II began, the King and his family earned great respect by staying in London…”
3. Explain in English what is meant by:
the "world's most eligible bachelor" - one that many people want to marry, especially because of his rich.
to be in the shadow of smb - he do not receive as much attention as the other person.
on smb's wedding day -a day where takes place a marriage ceremony and usually the meal or party.
4. Answer the following questions:
1. How long was Edward VIII on the throne?
Edward VIII was on the throne eleven month.
2. How many names do the English aristocrats usually give to
their children?
In the case of “David” there were seven names(Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David).
3. Who was Mrs Wallis Simpson?
She was an American woman, whose husband was a London shipping broker.
4. Why did Parliament refuse to accept her as the King's future wife?
5. What did King Edward VIII do when he was confronted with the choice between the throne and the woman he loved?
Edward Abdicated in favour of his younger brother George and married Wallis Simpson.
6. Where did the ex-king and his wife live after the Abdication?
He lived abroad and died in Paris.
7. What sort of man was King George VI?
King George VI was always in the shadow of his elder brother. Modest and quiet man, he did not like to be in public because of stammering. He was a good husband and father and spent much time with his family.
B. GUIDED COMPOSITION
Assignments
1. Read the text, find in it the following concepts and topical words, check your ability to explain their meanings in English, and add them to your working vocabulary:
feudal monarchy is a monarchical form of government that existed during the Middle Ages where people were given land and protection by a Nobleman, and had to work and firth for him in return.
absolute monarchy is a monarchical form of government where the monarch exercises ultimate governing authority as head of state and head of government, thus wielding political power over the sovereign state and its subject peoples. In an absolute monarchy, the transmission of power is two-fold; hereditary and marital. As absolute governor, the monarch’s authority is not legally bound or restricted by a constitution
to open and dissolve Parliament - to officially start and end Parliament
the Throne Speech - a formal talk that a queen gives to an audience
"The Queen can do no wrong" - the Queen tries to do her best to the prosperity of her country.
a taxpayer - a person who pays tax to the government, especially on the money that they earn.
the Civil List - a sum of money that is given to the British royal family each year by Parliament.
"the nation of shopkeepers" - the nation that has no fame of wasters.
the royal pageantry - impressive and colorful events and ceremonies involving a lot of people wearing special clothes.
the Garden Party - a formal social event that takes place in the afternoon in a large garden.
2. Read the text again, find in it the information about the following questions and answer them in writing:
1. What evolution has the institute of monarchy undergone during its long history?
At Plantagenet’s period monarchy was feudal, at Tudor’s times it has become absolute. After the Revolution of 17-th century it is usually called limited.
2. What rights has the English monarch as the head of the state?
The powers that belong to the Crown are collectively known as the Royal Prerogative. The Royal Prerogative includes many powers (such as the powers to make treaties or send ambassadors) as well as certain duties (such as the duties to defend the realm and to maintain the Queen's peace). The English monarch has a right to open and dissolve Parliament with the Throne Speech, to sign the acts accepted by Parliament.
3. To what extent are these rights limited?
As the British monarchy is a constitutional one, however, the monarch exercises the Royal Prerogative on the advice of ministers. Although the Royal Prerogative is extensive, it is not unlimited. For example, the monarch does not have the prerogative to impose and collect new taxes; such an action requires the authorisation of an Act of Parliament. He can appoint on the high posts only those persons which Parliament approved, he cannot refuse to sign the act or open or dissolve Parliament.
4. How do the advocates of the institute of monarchy explain the necessity to limit the rights of the Sovereign?
The advocates of the institute of monarchy say that it is done for the sake of Monarch because he is a “symbol of state” and cannot do wrong.
5. What do the opponents of this institution say about this practice?
The opponents of this institution say that this practice is too expensive for the state.
6. How much does the royal court receive by the Civil List?
700 thousand pounds.
7. How many palaces has the English Royal Family? Do you know where they are situated?
The English Royal Family has three residences: Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse. Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837 and today is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch. Windsor Castle is an official residence of The Queen and the largest occupied castle in the world situated in the English county of Berkshire. The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is The Queen's official residence in Scotland situated at the end of the Royal Mile.
8. Who pays for the maintenance of the royal aeroplanes, helicopters and yachts?
The state pays for the maintenance of the royal aeroplanes, helicopters and yachts.
9. What did Napoleon mean when he called England the "nation of shopkeepers"?
Napoleon mean that through all sins of English people, the sin of extravagance does not takes place.
10. Why do the advocates of monarchy believe that the royal family is worth the money they receive?
The advocates of monarchy believe that the royal family is worth the money they receive because we cannot name them “lazybones”. She is one of the most famous persons, so she “can do no wrong".
11. What duties are connected with the position of the Queen?
The Queen meets a lot of “necessary” people, makes speeches, pays visits to other countries. Her day is scheduled in the minutes.
12. What role does the pageantry of the royal court play in British' political life?
The pageantry affects the political life of the state.
13. On what occasion are the Royal Garden Parties held?
The Royal Garden Parties held on the occasion Queen’s birthday in June.
14.What is the main function of the institute of monarchy nowadays?
The institute of monarchy helps to the government to promote his policy.
C. Writing a summary
Assignments
1.
In the UK everything is upside down.The motto of all Elizabeth’s II life are the words that she pronounced when she was 20 years old princess in Cape town where she learned about her father’s death. I promise to dedicate all my life to serve you. To all her relatives she sets a certain amount of “royal tasks ”. For this they get from Elizabeth II allowance (“pin-money ”) that is means of influence on the family. Royal servants get minimum of subsistence and when applying for a job they fill profiles that give a right of state we lfare benefit. Such her parsimoniousness Elizabeth II explains that salary to servants and her own children she have to pay from the money allocated for support of all the Royal Court. A lion’s share of this money goes to maintenance in order of royal castles and different trips. We don’t want to call Elizabeth II a lion in the path of technological progress, but you won’t hear buzzing sounds of mobile telephones. The Queen was so fed up with the constant calls ringing at the wrong time, including the state receptions, that she issued a written decree that prohibit her servants to use mobile phones during their work. Time to time the country is shocked by scandals according one or another member of her family. Selflessly serving her country she more and more looks and speaks like a simple English woman from the London suburbs.
2.
Summary
In the article “Elizabeth II” from the newspaper “Komsomolskaya Pravda” the author reflects the problem of female succession to the throne that is forbidden in many countries but is quite normal in the UK. The motto of the Queen of UK Elizabeth II are the words that she pronounced when she was 20 years old princess in Cape town where she learned about her father’s death. She follows this promise all 50 years of her government. To all her relatives she sets a certain amount of “royal tasks”. For this they get from Elizabeth II allowance that is means of influence on the family. Royal servants get minimum of subsistence and when applying for a job they fill profiles that give a right of state welfare benefit. Such her parsimoniousness Elizabeth II explains that salary to servants and her own children she have to pay from the money allocated for support of all the Royal Court. A lion’s share of this money goes to maintenance in order of royal castles and different trips. The author don’t call Elizabeth II a lion in the path of technological progress, but you won’t hear buzzing sounds of mobile telephones. The Queen was so fed up with the constant calls ringing at the wrong time, including the state receptions, that she issued a written decree that prohibit her servants to use mobile phones during their work. Time to time the country is shocked by scandals according one or another member of her family. Selflessly serving her country she more and more looks and speaks like a simple English woman from the London suburbs. Summing up we must say that the author’s attitude to the Queen and her reign quite positive and approve her actions.
Lesson 4
REWIEW EXERCISES
3.
1) In the V century AD the Romans left from Britain having left the island unprotected from the invasion s of Saxon tribes the leaders of which became hereditary rules – the kings and were always fighting against one another who is more important.
2) Alfred who later deserved the title “Great” was 22 years old when he ascended to the throne. He ordered that the old customs and laws followed by the Anglo-Saxons should be collected in the first Code of English Law.
3) The King Edward VII got a respectful nickname Edward Martyr because being a real heir of Alfred the great, took care of the prosperity of his country more than of the expanding of its boundaries.
4) The Saxon royal line didn’t exist for a long time when Edward the Confessor won the English throne from Vikings. His heir, the King Harold, was killed at the Battle of Hastings, which begins the Norman Conquest of England.
5) William I was very purposeful person and an outstanding organizer. The transformations that he carried out changed the country so much that it became a powerful country that since that time no one could conquer it.
6) Few kings enveloped in a romantic fame as Richard the Lionheart, although in reality it does not fit in the ideal monarch, as it appears in the famous novel by Sir Walter Scott.
7) Following the advice of his courtiers, King Richard the two agreed to meet the requirements of the rebels and told everyone to go home. Most did so, but some, led by Tyler Wahtom, not satisfied with promises of the king remained in London.
8) Confiscated monastery lands and sold them to his supporters, Henry 7 received the support they created a class of the rural bourgeoisie. But in the memory of man he was as cruel and not discriminating in the media despot.
9) The ship, which arrived William of Orange, was decorated with the proud inscription: "I will preserve liberties of England and the Protestant faith. " Thus ended the bloodless revolution, called the British glorious because it was based on the compromise, not violence.
10) Having learned about the meeting of suffragists, Queen Victoria said: "These ladies should pubichno tear whip... God created men and women are different, so let them remain so. Why deprive ourselves of his or her sex?"
11) In January 1936, King George died in May. His eldest son Edward ascended the throne, but soon from him abdicated in favor of his younger brother. The conflict occurred due to the fact that the parliament has refused to recognize his right to marry an American Wallis Simpson, whom he loved.
12) From time to time England shocking scandals, then with one, then another member of the royal family, and yet Elizoveta 2 - remains the most popular woman in the country. Her motto is - to serve his people, and she remains faithful to him all the fifty years of his reign
UNIT 2
INTRODUCTION
Preliminary discussion
1. The 628-member parliament, termed the Federal Assembly.
2. The lower chamber is State Duma, the upper chamber is Federation Council.
3. The legislative power is limited.
4. The legislative process in Russia includes three hearings in the State Duma, then approvals by the Council of the Federation and the President.
Draft laws may originate in either legislative chamber, or they may be submitted by the president, the Government, local legislatures and the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court, or the Superior Court of Arbitration within their respective competences. Draft laws are first considered in the State Duma. Upon adoption by a majority of the full State Duma membership, a draft law is considered by the Federation Council, which has fourteen days to place the bill on its calendar. Conciliation commissions are the prescribed procedure to work out differences in bills considered by both chambers.
5. President.
6. A veto, Latin for "I forbid", is the power of an officer of the state to unilaterally stop a piece of legislation. The President can refuse to sign a bill and return it to Parliament with his proposals. If the parliament agrees on his proposals, the President should sign the bill. Parliament can overturn a veto by 2/3 majority. If the parliament overturns his veto, the President should sign the bill. If he fails to do so in 10 days, then the Chairman of the Parliament signs it.
7. The 628-member parliament, termed the Federal Assembly, consists of two chambers, the 450-member State Duma (the lower house) and the 176-member Federation Council (the upper house).
Russia is a federation which, as of March 1, 2008, consists of 83 " federal subjects " (members of the Federation).[1] In 1993, when the Constitution was adopted, there were 89 federal subjects listed. By 2008 the number of federal subjects had been decreased to 83 due to mergers.
The federal subjects are of equal federal rights in the sense that they have equal representation—two delegates each—in the Federation Council (upper house of the Federal Assembly). They do, however, differ in the degree of autonomy they enjoy.
LESSON 1
A. Reading
Exercises
- A Parliamentary Chamber – one of the parts of a parliament.
A Bill – a written suggestion for a new law that is presented to a country’s parliament so that its members can discuss it.
The Barons’ War – a civil war in England between the forces of a number of barons led by Simon de Montfort, against the Royalist forces led by Prince Edward (later Edward I of England), in the name of Henry III.
Absolutism – a political system in which a ruler or government has total power at all times.
The «divine right» - the doctrine that a monarch derives his or her power directly from God.
- This document gave the noblemen a legitimate share in the government of the country and deprived the king of the power to treat them as he pleased - Этот документ дал дворянам законную долю в правительстве страны и лишил царя власти относиться к ним как ему вздумается.
For a long time, the upper chamber had more power, but with the decline of feudalism the influence of the House of Commons was growing - Долгое время верхняя палата имела большую власть, но с падением феодализма влияние Палаты общин росло.
Parliament gained strength after the death of Henry VIII and was strong enough even in the days of his powerful daughter, Elizabeth I, but she preserved her popularity with
Parliament by keeping her expenses as small as possible - Парламент окреп после смерти Генриха VIII и был достаточно силен даже в дни правления своей властительной дочери, Елизаветы I, но она сохранила свою популярность у парламента удерживая как можно меньшие расходы.
When James I, the son of Mary Stuart, succeeded Elizabeth on the English throne, he expected to rule the country in his own way, without interference from Parliament - Когда Джеймсу I, сыну Марии Стюарт, удалось посадить Елизавету на английский трон, он рассчитывал управлять страной по-своему, без вмешательства со стороны парламента.
- To be deprived of the one’s lands – to be prevented from having one’s lands.
To be outlawed – to be made no longer legal.
A settlement – a place where people have come to live and make their homes, especially where few or no people lived before.
Rebellious – unwilling to obey rules or accept normal standards of behaviour, dress; opposed to the government of a country, opposed to those in authority within an organization.
A reign – the period during which a king, queen, emperor, etc. rules.
A shire – a country (now used in the names of some countries in Britain).
A borough – a town or part of a city that has its own local government.
To split the country – to divide the country into smaller parts.
- 1. The barons had their own lands and soldiers and did not let the king to have too much power. As a result there were constant quarrels between powerful barons and the kings who wanted more lands and more power.
2. The Magna Carta gave the noblemen a legitimate share in the government of the country and deprived the king of the power to treat them as he pleased.
3. The noblemen discussed the affairs of the government, law and finance.
4. When Henry III, the son of King John, became the King, he tried to get more power in his hands. Simon de Monfort was the leader of the rebellious barons.
5. The House of Lords composed of the representatives of aristocracy and the Church, the House of Commons composed of the representatives of common people.
6. The chief reason for the quarrels between the kings and the parliaments was about the right to impose taxes.
7. During the reign of Henry VIII.
8. Elizabeth I preserved her popularity with Parliament by keeping her expenses as small as possible.
9. James I expected to rule the country in his own way, without interference from Parliament. Charles I had been brought up to believe that he ruled by «divine right» and could therefore call for as much money as he liked.
10. The conflict between Puritans and Cavaliers.
Guided composition
- Puritanism – пуританство
The Reformation – реформация
The Pope of Rome – Папа Римский
Industrious – трудолюбивый
The Cavaliers – кавалеры
The Roundheads – круглоголовые
The clash – столкновение
The «divine right» - «божественное право»
To dismiss Parliament – распустить парламент
An untrained army – плохо обученная армия
To be handed over to smb – быть выданным кому-либо
The high treason – государственная измена
The «firm hand» – жесткая политика
To retain the office – удержать власть
With great rejoicing – с ликованием
Unrestrained debauchery – неистовый разгул
To get alarmed – испугаться
To abdicate – отречься от престола
The Glorious Revolution – Славная революция
By consent of Parliament – с согласия парламента
- 1. The Reformation wanted to «clear» the Church from the pompous ceremonies with organ music, great dresses of clergy etc.
2. The Puritans were the serious, industrious and religious people. They earned nickname
«the roundheads».
3. Their opponents called themselves Cavaliers – the king and his yard. Dressed in silk
and velvet, with feathers on their wide-brimmed hats, worn on top of powdered wigs,
they seemed to be creatures from another world.
4. When the new king Charles I was on the throne.
5. The «divine right».
6. He dismissed Parliament and ruled himself.
7. In 1642 the Civil War break out in England.
8. The victors in the first battles were the Cavaliers with the head prince Rupert.
9. Oliver Cromwell.
10. The battle near Neisby in 1645.
11. King Charles I was executed.
12. He abolished the hereditary House of Lords and left only the House of Commons, but soon he reformed it, denying opportunity to oppose his «firm hand».
13. Because there was no difference between his methods of ruling and methods of Charles I.
14. After Cromwell’s death, his son Richard couldn’t retain the office.
15. Charles II was in exile in France.
16. The Londoners greeted the returned monarch with great rejoicing.
17. The royalists dug the body of Cromwell from his grave and hanged in the square.
18. Because the pendulum of public morality has swung from Puritan restraint and sobriety to the drunken revelry and boisterous amusements of the court of Charles II.
19. Because he was a fervent Catholic and the Parliament was afraid of this fact.