The Union under one King
Обьединение и появление Великобритании
The name Britain is very old, but history can explain where it comes from. The tribes of the first people who lived on the island were called Britons; so Britain was the land of Britons. In the fifth century some tribes from the northern part of the continent of Europe landed in Britain.
They were the Angles, the Saxons and the Jutes. Those were wild and fearless people. They settled down in the land they had conquered. Several states were formed; one of them was East Anglia, the land where the Angles lived. Some time later the people began to call the whole of the southern part of the country the Land of Angles (Angle Land), which became England.
In 1066 the Normans, who came from the north of France, conquered England. As the years passed, the Normans and the Anglo-Saxons became the English people. Little by little, England became the strongest of all the states in the British Isles. In the 15th century it conquered Wales. There were many wars between England and Scotland until 1707, when England and Scotland were united under one king, and became a powerful state. Since then its name has been Great Britain.
They were the Angles, the Saxons and the Jutes. Those were wild and fearless people. They settled down in the land they had conquered. Several states were formed; one of them was East Anglia, the land where the Angles lived. Some time later the people began to call the whole of the southern part of the country the Land of Angles (Angle Land), which became England.
In 1066 the Normans, who came from the north of France, conquered England. As the years passed, the Normans and the Anglo-Saxons became the English people. Little by little, England became the strongest of all the states in the British Isles. In the 15th century it conquered Wales. There were many wars between England and Scotland until 1707, when England and Scotland were united under one king, and became a powerful state. Since then its name has been Great Britain.
The United Kingdom
Соединенное Королевство
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated on the British Isles. The British Isles consist of two large islands, Great Britain and Ireland, and about five thousands small islands. Their total area is over 244,000 square kilometres.
The United Kingdom is made up of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast respectively.
Great Britain consists of England, Scotland and Wales and does not include Northern Ireland. But in everyday speech "Great Britain" is used to mean the United Kingdom. The capital of the UK is London.
The British Isles are separated from the continent by the North Sea and the English Channel. The western coast of Great Britain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea. Shakespeare called Britain a "precious stone set in the silver sea" because of its natural beauty. It has a varied, countryside where you can find mountains, plains, valleys and sandy beaches. Ben Nevis in Scotland is the highest mountain, but it is only 1343 metres high.
There are a lot of rivers in Great Britain, but they are not very long. The Severn is the longest river, while the Thames is the deepest and the most important one. The mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of Gulf Stream influence the climate of the British Isles. It is mild the whole year round.
The UK is one of the world's smaller countries. Its population is over 58 million. About 80% of the population live in cities. The UK is a highly developed industrial country, It is known as one of the world's largest producers and exporters of machinery, electronics, textile, aircraft and navigation equipment. One of the chief industries of the country is shipbuilding.
The UK is a constitutional monarchy. In law, the Head of State is the Queen. In practice, the Queen reigns, but does not rule. The country is ruled by the elected government with the Prime Minister at the head. The British Parliament consists of two chambers: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. There are three main political parties in Great Britain: the Labour, the Conservative and the Liberal parties.
The United Kingdom is made up of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast respectively.
Great Britain consists of England, Scotland and Wales and does not include Northern Ireland. But in everyday speech "Great Britain" is used to mean the United Kingdom. The capital of the UK is London.
The British Isles are separated from the continent by the North Sea and the English Channel. The western coast of Great Britain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea. Shakespeare called Britain a "precious stone set in the silver sea" because of its natural beauty. It has a varied, countryside where you can find mountains, plains, valleys and sandy beaches. Ben Nevis in Scotland is the highest mountain, but it is only 1343 metres high.
There are a lot of rivers in Great Britain, but they are not very long. The Severn is the longest river, while the Thames is the deepest and the most important one. The mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of Gulf Stream influence the climate of the British Isles. It is mild the whole year round.
The UK is one of the world's smaller countries. Its population is over 58 million. About 80% of the population live in cities. The UK is a highly developed industrial country, It is known as one of the world's largest producers and exporters of machinery, electronics, textile, aircraft and navigation equipment. One of the chief industries of the country is shipbuilding.
The UK is a constitutional monarchy. In law, the Head of State is the Queen. In practice, the Queen reigns, but does not rule. The country is ruled by the elected government with the Prime Minister at the head. The British Parliament consists of two chambers: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. There are three main political parties in Great Britain: the Labour, the Conservative and the Liberal parties.
London Timeline
Как образовался Лондон
• 43 AD When the Romans arrived in Britain, London was already a small town. Under the Romans "Londinium" became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia.
• 886 King Alfred the Great united England. He captured London from the Danes and made it capital of his kingdom.
• 1666 The Fire of London destroyed much of the city. The reconstruction was organised by the architect Christopher Wren who designed St Paul's Cathedral.
• 1850 By the middle of the nineteenth century London was the largest city in the world and the most important port. In this period it was famous for its terrible pollution.
•1939-1945 In World War II, London was seriously damaged by German bombing.
• 1980 In the last twenty years, the old port area has been rebuilt. There are big, new skyscrapers and the Millennium Dome, the largest dome in the world, which was finished in 1999. In 2000 it held the millennium exhibition.
• 886 King Alfred the Great united England. He captured London from the Danes and made it capital of his kingdom.
• 1666 The Fire of London destroyed much of the city. The reconstruction was organised by the architect Christopher Wren who designed St Paul's Cathedral.
• 1850 By the middle of the nineteenth century London was the largest city in the world and the most important port. In this period it was famous for its terrible pollution.
•1939-1945 In World War II, London was seriously damaged by German bombing.
• 1980 In the last twenty years, the old port area has been rebuilt. There are big, new skyscrapers and the Millennium Dome, the largest dome in the world, which was finished in 1999. In 2000 it held the millennium exhibition.
London
Лондон
London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic and commercial centre. It's one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe. Its population is about 8 million.
London is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world. Traditionally it's divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End. They are very different from each other and seem to belong to different towns and epochs.
The heart of London is the City, its financial and business centre. Numerous banks, offices and firms are situated there, including the Bank of England, the Stock Exchange and the Old Bailey. Few people live here, but over a million people come to the City to work. There are some famous ancient buildings within the City. Perhaps the most striking of them is St Paul's Cathedral, the greatest of British churches. It was built in the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren. The Tower of London was founded by Julius Caesar and in 1066 rebuilt by William the Conqueror. It was used as a fortress, a royal palace and a prison. Now it's a museum.
Westminster is the historic, the governmental part of London. Westminster Abbey has more historic associations than any other building in Britain. Nearly all English kings and queens have been crowned here. Many outstanding statesmen, scientists, writers, poets and painters are buried here: Newton, Darwin, Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling. Across the road from Westminster Abbey is Westminster Palace, or the Houses of Parliament, the seat of the British Parliament. The Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament is famous for its big hour bell, known as "Big Ben". Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen.
The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. It's the symbol of wealth and luxury. The best hotels, shops, restaurants, clubs, and theatres are situated there. There are splendid houses and lovely gardens belonging to wealthy people. Trafalgar Square is the geographical centre of London. It was named in memory of Admiral Nelson's victory in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The tall Nelson's Column stands in the middle of the square. On the north side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Not far away is the British Museum — the biggest museum in London. It contains a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures, etc, and is famous for its library.
The East End was once the poorest district of London- with lots of factories and docks, narrow streets and unimpressive buildings. Today, the district is changing very fast. There are huge offices and new blocks of flats in the East End.
London is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world. Traditionally it's divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End. They are very different from each other and seem to belong to different towns and epochs.
The heart of London is the City, its financial and business centre. Numerous banks, offices and firms are situated there, including the Bank of England, the Stock Exchange and the Old Bailey. Few people live here, but over a million people come to the City to work. There are some famous ancient buildings within the City. Perhaps the most striking of them is St Paul's Cathedral, the greatest of British churches. It was built in the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren. The Tower of London was founded by Julius Caesar and in 1066 rebuilt by William the Conqueror. It was used as a fortress, a royal palace and a prison. Now it's a museum.
Westminster is the historic, the governmental part of London. Westminster Abbey has more historic associations than any other building in Britain. Nearly all English kings and queens have been crowned here. Many outstanding statesmen, scientists, writers, poets and painters are buried here: Newton, Darwin, Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling. Across the road from Westminster Abbey is Westminster Palace, or the Houses of Parliament, the seat of the British Parliament. The Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament is famous for its big hour bell, known as "Big Ben". Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen.
The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. It's the symbol of wealth and luxury. The best hotels, shops, restaurants, clubs, and theatres are situated there. There are splendid houses and lovely gardens belonging to wealthy people. Trafalgar Square is the geographical centre of London. It was named in memory of Admiral Nelson's victory in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The tall Nelson's Column stands in the middle of the square. On the north side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Not far away is the British Museum — the biggest museum in London. It contains a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures, etc, and is famous for its library.
The East End was once the poorest district of London- with lots of factories and docks, narrow streets and unimpressive buildings. Today, the district is changing very fast. There are huge offices and new blocks of flats in the East End.
London (for kids)
Лондон
London is the capital of England. It stands on the River Thames. In the very center of London you can see Buckingham Palace. It is a place where the Queen lives and works. It is like a small town with a police station, 2 post offices, a hospital, 2 sport clubs , a disco , a cinema and a swimming pool. Buckingham Palace has got 600 (six hundred), rooms. 300 clocks are in the Palace. 700 people work in the palace.
The Queen has got eight or nine dogs and they sleep in their own bedroom. When the Queen gets up in the morning , seven people look after her. You can't go inside the Palace. You can see guardsmen outside the Palace. They wear traditional uniform: a red coat and a black helmet.
Trafalgar Square is in the center of London too. The tall Nelson's Column stands in the middle of the square. You can see a lot of pigeons near Nelson's Column. The tourists often feed them.
In Trafalgar Square you can see the National Gallery, and the British Museum , the biggest Museum in London. The Houses of Parliament is next to the Thames. It is a beautiful building with Big Ben. Big Ben is the biggest clock in London. But Big Ben isn't the name of the clock. It's the name of the bell inside the clock.
The Tower of London is more than 90 years old. It is a museum now. Many people visit it every day.
St. Paul's Cathedral is a church. Lady Diana and Prince Charles were married there.
Madam Tussaud's Museum is a very interesting place. Here you can see a lot of famous people , but they are not alive. They are in wax. It's amazing.
I'd like to visit London and to see these places.
The Queen has got eight or nine dogs and they sleep in their own bedroom. When the Queen gets up in the morning , seven people look after her. You can't go inside the Palace. You can see guardsmen outside the Palace. They wear traditional uniform: a red coat and a black helmet.
Trafalgar Square is in the center of London too. The tall Nelson's Column stands in the middle of the square. You can see a lot of pigeons near Nelson's Column. The tourists often feed them.
In Trafalgar Square you can see the National Gallery, and the British Museum , the biggest Museum in London. The Houses of Parliament is next to the Thames. It is a beautiful building with Big Ben. Big Ben is the biggest clock in London. But Big Ben isn't the name of the clock. It's the name of the bell inside the clock.
The Tower of London is more than 90 years old. It is a museum now. Many people visit it every day.
St. Paul's Cathedral is a church. Lady Diana and Prince Charles were married there.
Madam Tussaud's Museum is a very interesting place. Here you can see a lot of famous people , but they are not alive. They are in wax. It's amazing.
I'd like to visit London and to see these places.
England
Англия
The symbol of England is a red rose, and English people are crazy about gardening. Everywhere in England you will see gardens, large and small. The English are also famous for their love of animals. A lot of families have pets, especially cats and dogs.
English football is famous of course, but there is another national sport too - cricket. Many English people love cricket, but it is not so popular in Wales, Scotland Or Ireland. Some cricket matches continue for five days, and often there isn't even a winner!
In the south of England you find some beautiful villages. Some of the houses and cottages have thatched roofs. "Thatcher" is an English surname. Many English surnames are the names of jobs, for example Butcher, Baker, Wheeler, Farmer, Potter.
The two oldest and most famous universities in England are in Oxford and Cambridge. If you visit these cities, you will see amazing old buildings, beautiful gardens, rivers and punts. Punts are long boats. You have to stand up at the one end of the punt, put a pole into the water and push. It's very difficult!
Some of the wildest and most beautiful countryside in England is in the north. It is very popular with climbers and walkers. If you go to the northeast, near Newcastle, you will be able to see Hadrian's wall. Soldiers built it two thousand years ago. You can still walk along parts of it just like Roman soldiers did.
English football is famous of course, but there is another national sport too - cricket. Many English people love cricket, but it is not so popular in Wales, Scotland Or Ireland. Some cricket matches continue for five days, and often there isn't even a winner!
In the south of England you find some beautiful villages. Some of the houses and cottages have thatched roofs. "Thatcher" is an English surname. Many English surnames are the names of jobs, for example Butcher, Baker, Wheeler, Farmer, Potter.
The two oldest and most famous universities in England are in Oxford and Cambridge. If you visit these cities, you will see amazing old buildings, beautiful gardens, rivers and punts. Punts are long boats. You have to stand up at the one end of the punt, put a pole into the water and push. It's very difficult!
Some of the wildest and most beautiful countryside in England is in the north. It is very popular with climbers and walkers. If you go to the northeast, near Newcastle, you will be able to see Hadrian's wall. Soldiers built it two thousand years ago. You can still walk along parts of it just like Roman soldiers did.
Scotland
Шотландия
Scotland is very famous for its beautiful scenery. There are mountains, valleys, lakes and hundreds of islands. The most famous lake is called Loch Ness. It is very deep and some people believe that a mysterious creature lives at the bottom. This monster is often called "Nessie". Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Great Britain (it is 1,343 metres high).
The ancient language of Scotland is called Gaelic. Some people in Scotland still speak it and they also use Gaelic words when they speak English. For example, "loch" means "lake" and "ben" means "mountain".
An important symbol of Scotland is a special kind of material called "tartan". Traditional tartan skirts are called kilts and many Scots wear them -women and men! Another Scottish symbol is the thistle. Thistles are plants. They are beautiful but they are very sharp too. An ancient story says that enemies from across the sea hurt their feet on Scottish thistles. They quickly jumped hack into their ships and sailed away.
The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh. Every summer it has a huge festival, and artists, poets, musicians and actors from all over the world go there. There is also a special military show called a "tattoo" at the castle. Military bands play some very unusual musical instruments called bagpipes. There is always a lot of music, dancing and fun at "Hogmanay"- that's the Scottish word for New Year's Eve.
The ancient language of Scotland is called Gaelic. Some people in Scotland still speak it and they also use Gaelic words when they speak English. For example, "loch" means "lake" and "ben" means "mountain".
An important symbol of Scotland is a special kind of material called "tartan". Traditional tartan skirts are called kilts and many Scots wear them -women and men! Another Scottish symbol is the thistle. Thistles are plants. They are beautiful but they are very sharp too. An ancient story says that enemies from across the sea hurt their feet on Scottish thistles. They quickly jumped hack into their ships and sailed away.
The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh. Every summer it has a huge festival, and artists, poets, musicians and actors from all over the world go there. There is also a special military show called a "tattoo" at the castle. Military bands play some very unusual musical instruments called bagpipes. There is always a lot of music, dancing and fun at "Hogmanay"- that's the Scottish word for New Year's Eve.
Wales
Уэльс
Red dragon is probably the oldest symbol of Wales. If you go to Wales, you will see red dragons everywhere - on signs, in souvenir shops and on flags.
Another symbol of Wales is a vegetable called a leek. Welsh people wear them on their coats on St David's Day, the Welsh national holiday, although some people wear another symbol of Wales- the daffodil.
There are two official languages in Wales, Welsh and English, although English is usually spoken. Children study Welsh at school and some people speak it all the time. Signs are usually in Welsh and English. The Welsh language has some very long place names.
Holidaymakers love the beautiful Welsh beaches, and the mountains of Snowdonia are popular too. The ancient castles are also a big tourist attractions.
Welsh people are famous for their singing and their music festivals. A musical instrument, the harp, is one of the symbols of Wales. There is a fantastic new sports stadium in Cardiff. Welsh are crazy about rugby. It's their national sport.
Another symbol of Wales is a vegetable called a leek. Welsh people wear them on their coats on St David's Day, the Welsh national holiday, although some people wear another symbol of Wales- the daffodil.
There are two official languages in Wales, Welsh and English, although English is usually spoken. Children study Welsh at school and some people speak it all the time. Signs are usually in Welsh and English. The Welsh language has some very long place names.
Holidaymakers love the beautiful Welsh beaches, and the mountains of Snowdonia are popular too. The ancient castles are also a big tourist attractions.
Welsh people are famous for their singing and their music festivals. A musical instrument, the harp, is one of the symbols of Wales. There is a fantastic new sports stadium in Cardiff. Welsh are crazy about rugby. It's their national sport.
Ireland
Ирландия
Ireland is the name of an island. It is next to the island of Britain. There are two parts of Ireland: Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland is a different country.
The most famous symbol of Ireland
is the shamrock. It became a symbol because it grows in many places - and it has three leaves. The number three is very special for Irish people - some even believe it is magic.
Another Irish symbol is the harp, and two other traditional instruments are the bagpipes and the fiddle ("fiddle" is another word for "violin"). The Irish are famous for their playing, singing and dancing.
Everywhere in Ireland you will see green, in fact Ireland's other name is "the Emerald Isle". Green is one of the symbols of Ireland and everybody wears green on Saint Patrick's Day, the Irish national holiday.
Leprechauns are Irish fairies. They are shoemakers, and they are not very friendly. They also have secret pots of gold. If you find a leprechaun, you can look for his gold, but don't look away from the leprechaun. If you do, he will disappear - and so will the gold! Of course, this is only a superstition.
If you sailed west from Ireland you would come to the USA. A hundred years ago, thousands of Irish families left Ireland to look for work. Many of them went to the USA. Today there are many people in the USA with Irish surnames and Irish relatives.
The most famous symbol of Ireland
is the shamrock. It became a symbol because it grows in many places - and it has three leaves. The number three is very special for Irish people - some even believe it is magic.
Another Irish symbol is the harp, and two other traditional instruments are the bagpipes and the fiddle ("fiddle" is another word for "violin"). The Irish are famous for their playing, singing and dancing.
Everywhere in Ireland you will see green, in fact Ireland's other name is "the Emerald Isle". Green is one of the symbols of Ireland and everybody wears green on Saint Patrick's Day, the Irish national holiday.
Leprechauns are Irish fairies. They are shoemakers, and they are not very friendly. They also have secret pots of gold. If you find a leprechaun, you can look for his gold, but don't look away from the leprechaun. If you do, he will disappear - and so will the gold! Of course, this is only a superstition.
If you sailed west from Ireland you would come to the USA. A hundred years ago, thousands of Irish families left Ireland to look for work. Many of them went to the USA. Today there are many people in the USA with Irish surnames and Irish relatives.
The Union Jack
Флаг Великобритании
The flag of the United Kingdom known as the Union Jack, is made up of three crosses.
The upright red cross is the cross of St.George, the patron saint of England.
The white diagonal cross (with the arms going into the corners) is the cross of St.Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.
The red diagonal cross is the cross of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
The upright red cross is the cross of St.George, the patron saint of England.
The white diagonal cross (with the arms going into the corners) is the cross of St.Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.
The red diagonal cross is the cross of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
The Political System
Политическая система Великобритании
Political system
Great Britain is a parliamentary monarchy. Officially the head of the state is the king or queen. The power of the monarch is not absolute but constitutional. The monarch acts only on the advice of the ministers. The hereditary principle upon
which the monarchy is founded is strictly observed. The now reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II is a descendant of the Saxon king Egbert.
The monarch, be it king or queen, is the head of the executive body, an integral part of the legislature, the head of the judicial body, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the crown, the head of the Established Church of England and the head of the British Commonwealth of Nations.
The Constitution
Practically speaking, there is no written constitution in Great-Britain. The term "English Constitution" means the leading principles; conventions and laws, many of which have been existing for centuries though they have undergone modifications and extensions in agreement with the advance of civilization. These principles are expressed in such documents of major importance as Magna Carta, a famous document in English history agreed upon in 1215 by King John and the barons, which set certain limits on royal power and which was later regarded as a law stating basic civil rights. Habeas Corpus Act , a law passed in 1679, which guarantees to a person arrested the right to appear in court of justice so that the jury should decide whether he is guilty or not guilty. The Bill of Rights, an act of Parliament passed in 1689, which confirmed certain rights of the people: the laws deciding the succession of the royal family and a number of constitutional acts, separate laws and agreements.
Three Branches of Government
Power in Great Britain is divided among three branches: the legislative branch the executive branch and the judicial branch.
The legislative branch is represented by Parliament, which consists of two chambers, or houses: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Parliament in Britain has existed since 1265. Having been organized in the reign of King Edward I , it is the oldest parliament in the world. The House of Lords consists of more than 1000 peers , including the "lords spiritual" : the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York.
The executive branch is headed by the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the king (queen). According to tradition, the Prime Minister is the leader of the party that has won the elections and has the majority in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister appoints the ministers to compose the government. After that the newly appointed ministers are presented to the monarch for the formal approval. The most important ministers of the government (about twenty) are from the Cabinet. Members of the Cabinet make joint decisions or advise the Prime Minister. The main function of the executive branch of the government is to administer the laws (to see to it that the laws are carried out, actually to rule the country).
The judicial branch interprets the laws. The highest judicial body is Supreme Sourt of . Judicature, which consists of two divisions: the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal. It is often said that English law is superior to the law of most other countries. Indeed, the English judicial system contains many rules which protect the individual against arbitrary action by the police and the government.
The British Commonwealth of Nations
After World War II, with the growth or national liberation movement in the world, the countries which were dependent on Great Britain and formed parts of the British Empire, began claiming independence. As a result of this movement, the British Empire fell apart. However, centuries-long economic, cultural and political ties of these former colonies and dominions with Great Britain were too strong for them to completely break away from each other, and it was found advisable to maintain the old ties. A new organization was established: the British Commonwealth of–Nations, including about 50 independent states which were formerly parts of the British Empire. The British Commonwealth of Nations encourages trade and friendly relations among its members.
Great Britain is a parliamentary monarchy. Officially the head of the state is the king or queen. The power of the monarch is not absolute but constitutional. The monarch acts only on the advice of the ministers. The hereditary principle upon
which the monarchy is founded is strictly observed. The now reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II is a descendant of the Saxon king Egbert.
The monarch, be it king or queen, is the head of the executive body, an integral part of the legislature, the head of the judicial body, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the crown, the head of the Established Church of England and the head of the British Commonwealth of Nations.
The Constitution
Practically speaking, there is no written constitution in Great-Britain. The term "English Constitution" means the leading principles; conventions and laws, many of which have been existing for centuries though they have undergone modifications and extensions in agreement with the advance of civilization. These principles are expressed in such documents of major importance as Magna Carta, a famous document in English history agreed upon in 1215 by King John and the barons, which set certain limits on royal power and which was later regarded as a law stating basic civil rights. Habeas Corpus Act , a law passed in 1679, which guarantees to a person arrested the right to appear in court of justice so that the jury should decide whether he is guilty or not guilty. The Bill of Rights, an act of Parliament passed in 1689, which confirmed certain rights of the people: the laws deciding the succession of the royal family and a number of constitutional acts, separate laws and agreements.
Three Branches of Government
Power in Great Britain is divided among three branches: the legislative branch the executive branch and the judicial branch.
The legislative branch is represented by Parliament, which consists of two chambers, or houses: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Parliament in Britain has existed since 1265. Having been organized in the reign of King Edward I , it is the oldest parliament in the world. The House of Lords consists of more than 1000 peers , including the "lords spiritual" : the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York.
The executive branch is headed by the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the king (queen). According to tradition, the Prime Minister is the leader of the party that has won the elections and has the majority in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister appoints the ministers to compose the government. After that the newly appointed ministers are presented to the monarch for the formal approval. The most important ministers of the government (about twenty) are from the Cabinet. Members of the Cabinet make joint decisions or advise the Prime Minister. The main function of the executive branch of the government is to administer the laws (to see to it that the laws are carried out, actually to rule the country).
The judicial branch interprets the laws. The highest judicial body is Supreme Sourt of . Judicature, which consists of two divisions: the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal. It is often said that English law is superior to the law of most other countries. Indeed, the English judicial system contains many rules which protect the individual against arbitrary action by the police and the government.
The British Commonwealth of Nations
After World War II, with the growth or national liberation movement in the world, the countries which were dependent on Great Britain and formed parts of the British Empire, began claiming independence. As a result of this movement, the British Empire fell apart. However, centuries-long economic, cultural and political ties of these former colonies and dominions with Great Britain were too strong for them to completely break away from each other, and it was found advisable to maintain the old ties. A new organization was established: the British Commonwealth of–Nations, including about 50 independent states which were formerly parts of the British Empire. The British Commonwealth of Nations encourages trade and friendly relations among its members.
Holidays in the UK
Праздники в Великобритании
There are fewer public holidays in Great Britain than in other European countries. They are: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Spring Bank Holiday and Summer Bank Holiday. Public holidays in Britain are called bank holidays, because the banks as well as most of the offices and shops are closed.
The most popular holiday is Christmas. Every year the people of Norway give the city of London a present. It's a big Christmas tree and it stands in Trafalgar Square. Central streets are beautifully decorated. Before Christmas, groups of singers go from house to house. They collect money for charity and sing carols, traditional Christmas songs. Many churches hold a carol service on the Sunday before Christmas. The fun starts the night before, on the 24th of December. Traditionally this is the day when people decorate their trees. Children hang stockings at the end of their beds, hoping that Father Christmas will come down the chimney during the night and fill them with toys and sweets. Christmas is a family holiday. Relatives usually meet for the big Christmas dinner of turkey and Christmas pudding. And everyone gives and receives presents. The 26th of December, Boxing Day, is an extra holiday after Christmas Day. This is the time to visit friends and relatives or perhaps sit at home and watch football. New Year's Day is less popular in Britain than Christmas. But in Scotland, Hogmanay is the biggest festival of the year.
Besides public holidays there are some special festivals in Great Britain. One of them takes place on the 5th of November. On that day, in 1605, Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill King James I. He didn't succeed. The King's men found the bomb, took Guy Fawkes to the Tower and cut off his head. Since that day the British celebrate the 5th of November. They burn a dummy, made of straw and old clothes, on a bonfire and let off fireworks. This dummy is called a "guy" (like Guy Fawkes) and children can often be seen in the streets before the 5th of November saying, "Penny for the guy." If they collect enough money they can buy some fireworks. There are also smaller, local festivals in Britain.
The most popular holiday is Christmas. Every year the people of Norway give the city of London a present. It's a big Christmas tree and it stands in Trafalgar Square. Central streets are beautifully decorated. Before Christmas, groups of singers go from house to house. They collect money for charity and sing carols, traditional Christmas songs. Many churches hold a carol service on the Sunday before Christmas. The fun starts the night before, on the 24th of December. Traditionally this is the day when people decorate their trees. Children hang stockings at the end of their beds, hoping that Father Christmas will come down the chimney during the night and fill them with toys and sweets. Christmas is a family holiday. Relatives usually meet for the big Christmas dinner of turkey and Christmas pudding. And everyone gives and receives presents. The 26th of December, Boxing Day, is an extra holiday after Christmas Day. This is the time to visit friends and relatives or perhaps sit at home and watch football. New Year's Day is less popular in Britain than Christmas. But in Scotland, Hogmanay is the biggest festival of the year.
Besides public holidays there are some special festivals in Great Britain. One of them takes place on the 5th of November. On that day, in 1605, Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill King James I. He didn't succeed. The King's men found the bomb, took Guy Fawkes to the Tower and cut off his head. Since that day the British celebrate the 5th of November. They burn a dummy, made of straw and old clothes, on a bonfire and let off fireworks. This dummy is called a "guy" (like Guy Fawkes) and children can often be seen in the streets before the 5th of November saying, "Penny for the guy." If they collect enough money they can buy some fireworks. There are also smaller, local festivals in Britain.
