1. Briefly describe the British Constitution. What advantages and disadvantages do you see in the British constitutional system?
2. The House of Lords is the only non-elected second chamber among all the democracies in the world, and some people in Britain would like to abolish it. How useful do you think the House of Lords is in Britain today?
UNIT 2
MONARCHY
2. Before reading the text, match a word on the left with a definition on the right.
1. Commonwealth a) a title of nobility which may be granted by the
Crown.
2. dissolve b) to bring a session of Parliament to an end.
3. monarchy c) to end the life of a Parliament by public
announcement of the Sovereign, leading to a General
Election.
4. peerage d) an association of the United Kingdom with
various independent states (previously subject to Britain) and dependencies
5. prerogative of mercy e) the power of the Crown to excuse a criminal
offence or reduce a punishment on the advice of the
Home Secretary.
6. prorogue f) the system of government in which a single person
called King or Queen holds the office of head of
state for life, usually by hereditary right.
7. remit g) the special powers and rights which still belong to
the British Crown and are exercised today by
the Sovereign in person.
8. Royal Assent h) to govern a state.
9. Royal Prerogative i) the approval by the British Sovereign of a Bill
which has been passed by both Houses of Parliament so that it becomes law as an Act of Parliament
10. rule j) to free someone from a punishment or to cancel
part of a prison sentence.
2.1. Test your general knowledge in the quiz below.
1. Parliament is prorogued by the Queen
a) before a new legislature can be elected
b) when the Prime Minister requests a General Election
c) at the end of the year’s session
2. Parliament is summoned by the Queen
a) before a new legislature can be elected
b) when the Prime Minister requests a General Election
c) at the end of the year’s session
3. Parliament is dissolved by the Queen
a) before a new legislature can be elected
b) when the Prime Minister requests a General Election