1.

Country and People

1. Give official political name of the country we are studying.

 The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

2. Name the parts of the country with capitals.

 England - London. Northern Ireland - Belfast. Scotland - Edinburgh. Wales - Cardiff

3. Give the names of the four nations living in the country.

 England , Scotland , Wales and Ireland.

4. What culture is dominant in the country and why?

 The dominant culture of Britain today is specifically English. There are many different
reasons why. Many aspects of everyday life are organized according to English custom and
practice, also English is the main language of all 4 nations. Moreover, for example, the
supply of money in Britain is controlled by the Bank of England.

2. HISTORY

1. Why is 1066 so crucial for the British History?

 1066 is crucially important for the British history because on 14 October of that year , an
invading army from Normandy defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings. That date is
remembered as the last time that England was successfully invaded.

2. What is Magna Carta and why is it so significant?

 An alliance of aristocracy, church and merchants force King John to agree to the Magna
Carta (Latin meaning “Great Charter”), a document in which the king agrees to follow
certain rules of government. In fact, neither John nor his successors entirely followed them,
but the Magna Carta is remembered as the first time a monarch agreed in writing to abide
by formal procedures.

3. Name the royal dynasties.

1. House of Wessex
2. Danish Kings of England
3. House of Normandy
4. House of Plantagenet
5. House of Lancaster
6. House of York
7. Tudor Dynasty
8. House of Stuart
9. Interregnum
10. House of Hanover
11. House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
12. House of Windsor (present days)
 4. Who are three long-reigning monarchs in British history ? Name them and give at least one
(for each) event happened under their rule.

 Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom 1952-present, 68 years to date. (1973 - Britain joins the
European Economic Community // 2020 - Brexit). Victoria of the United Kingdom 1837-
1901, 63 years. (1868 - The Trades Union Congress is formed (профсоюз)). George III of the
United Kingdom 1760-1820, 59 years. (1782 - James Watt invests the first steam engine //
1788 - The first British settlers (convicts and soldiers) arrived in Australia).

3 The law.

1. In Britain there are two kinds of lawyers: solicitors and barristers.

Typically, the former are the ones who deal with the public; anybody who needs a lawyer goes to
see a solicitor. They handle most legal matters for their clients, including the drawing up of
documents (such as wills, divorce papers and contracts) communicating with other parties and
presenting their client’s case in a magistrates’ court. A solicitor could never be ‘called to the bar’
and so was never allowed to present cases in a higher court.
But if a case is to be heard in a higher court, the solicitor hires the services of the other kind of
lawyer - a barrister. The main function of barristers is to present cases in court. They also offer
expert legal opinions when asked. A barrister was not supposed to talk with any of the clients he or
she represented in court, or with their witnesses, except in the presence of the solicitor who hired
them.
The names of several officials in Scotland are different from those in England and Wales. Instead of
barristers, there are ‘advocates’.

4.Parliament.

1. The British Parliament is divided into two chambers: The House of Lords and The House of
Commons. The House of Commons is more powerful. The legislative power of the lords is
significantly less than that of the House of Commons. The lower house of the United Kingdom
passes bills, and the Lords Consider and amend bills that have already been passed.
2. – Functions of the House of Commons
Passes bills and passes them (all but financial) to the House of Lords for approval. Accepts the
budget and reviews financial bills. It has the exclusive right to coordinate taxation and government
expenditures.
– Functions of the House of Lords
Reviews and amends bills passed by the House of Commons, with the exception of Finance bills.
Considers appeals against court decisions in civil and criminal cases. The verdict of the House of
Lords is ultimate.
3. The speaker – is the president of the House of Commons, who directs meetings and represents
the house in its relations with the Queen, the House of Lords, and other state bodies. After
retirement, he receives the title of Viscount and a seat in the House of Lords.
(из учебника)
Although MPs do not have their own personal seats in the Commons, there are two seating areas
reserved for particular MPs. These areas are the front benches on either side of the House. These
benches are where the leading members of the governing party and the leading members of the
main opposition party sit. These people are thus known as frontbenchers. MPs who do not hold a
government post or a post in the shadow cabinet are known as backbenchers.
(из Кембриджского словаря)
Backbencher – a member of the UK parliament who does not have any official position in
the government or in one of the opposing parties.
Frontbencher – a politician who sits on the front benches of the UK parliament.

5 The Government.

1. The position of a British Prime Minister (PM) is in direct contrast to that of the monarch. While
the Queen appears to have a lot of power but in reality has very little, the PM appears not to have
much power but in reality has a very great deal. The Queen is obliged to give the job of PM to the
person who can command a majority in the House of Commons. This normally means the leader of
the party with the largest number of MPs.
2. The cabinet is the highest executive authority. The leading politicians in the governing party
usually become members of the cabinet, where they are tied to government policy by the
convention of collective responsibility. Once a week, the cabinet meets and takes decisions about
new policies, the implementation of existing policies and the running of the various go

6. GEOGRAPHY
1. Describe the climate in the UK

It’s same as the north-western part of Europe. Myth about raining and fog isn’t true. It was created
by Hollywood. In winter there are no snow. In summer it’s sunny and warm. Climate is really
changeable and that’s why people always discuss it. “Britain doesn’t have climate it’s only
weather”. People aren’t prepared for these changes that’s why snow can stop all transport. 

2. Which part or area in the UK is the most densely populated? Least populated?

Southern England is the most populated area because it’s home of commuters, who travel to
London every day. 
Northern England is the least populated region because it’s industrial region and land there isn’t
suitable for growing crops or farming.

3. Why do we call London a cosmopolitan city?

It’s the largest city in west Europe. It contains headquarters of national television, networks,
newspapers. The city is center of business and transport. Also the monarch, government and
parliament is concerned here.

7. MONARCHY
1. Who is the present British monarch?
I guess you know the answer , but still Elizabeth II 1952-present
2. Who is the heir to the throne?
Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent to the British throne as the eldest son of the queen. 

3. What is the role of the monarch? 

Theoretically the monarch has absolutely power but in reality she only chooses prime minister and
has no power.

8. POLITICAL LIFE

1. What is the role of the constitution in the UK?

Britain is constitutional monarchy. Most notably, Britain is almost alone among modern states in
that it does not have 'a constitution'. Of course, there are rules, regulations, principles and
procedures for the running of the country - all the things that political scientists and legal experts
study and which are known collectively as 'the constitution'. But there is no single written document
which can be appealed to as the highest law of the land.
The constitution of the United Kingdom is uncodified, being made up of constitutional conventions,
statutes and other elements such as EU law. This system of government, known as the Westminster
system, has been adopted by other countries

2. Describe the British party system

It’s described as “two-party system”. It’s just because they occupy 80% of seats in House of
Commons.
The UK political system is a multi-party system. Since the 1920s, the two dominant parties have
been the Conservative Party and the Labour Party. Before the Labour Party rose in British politics,
the Liberal Party was the other major political party, along with the Conservatives.
It’s a state with a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy in which the monarch,
currently Queen Elizabeth II, is the head of state while the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom,
currently Boris Johnson, is the head of government.

9 Elections

1) How can you describe the election process?

The government decides when to hold an election. After that, future candidates get their names on
the ballot paper for the constituency where they participate. To do this, they deposit 500 pounds
with the returning officer (the person responsible for conducting election in a constituency). They
also write their political affiliation in the ballot paper.
The voting is not obligatory. You have to be 18 y.o. and to be on the electoral register to be eligible
to vote.
The campaign does not have tradition of parades, but there is intense media coverage.
Formally, a different campaign takes place in each constituency. The amount of money candidates
are allowed to spend on the campaign is strictly limited.
In reality, nearly everybody votes on the basis of the party which a candidate represents.
2) What is a polling day? What happens on this day?
Polling day is the day when the general elections take place. The entire country goes to vote at the
specially organized polling stations.
3) What is psephology?

Psephology is the study of elections and voting statistics and habits. It has become very
sophisticated in Britain so that, although the experts never get it exactly right, they can get pretty
close.

10 International relations

1) What is the Commonwealth?

The Commonwealth is an international organization composed of the countries that used to be a

part of the British Empire. It holds annual meetings. The main goal of this organization is to keep
cultural contacts alive.
2) What can you say about British transatlantic relations?

Britain and the USA have a ‘special relationship’, generally they support each other.
Public feeling about this relationship is ambivalent. On the one hand, it is reassuring to be friends
with the most powerful nation, plus sharing the same language gives the British a sense of
belonging to the US. On the other hand, there is some distrust, or mild bitterness, concerning US
power. Sometimes Britain is called the 51st state of the USA.
With Great Britain entering the European Communities this relationship inevitably declined in
significance.
3) How can you describe the relations between England and Scotland?

Public polls show that there is a tendency for Scottish people to wish for at least an independent
government or at most complete independence. Since 1999 Scotland has its own parliament.
Majority of the Scottish people see the separation as inevitable in the long run. When Great Britain
decided to go separate ways with The EU, Scotland was against it.

11 Religion
1) What is the reformation?

Reformation – a series of events, largely driven by changes in government policy, in XVI century
England, because of which the Church of England broke away from the authority of the Pope and
Roman Catholic Church and became Anglican Church. The break with Rome was affected by a
series of acts, such as the 1534 Act of supremacy, declaring Henry VIII the “Supreme Head on
earth of the Church of England”.
2) How can you explain the term ‘established church’?
What is the established Church of England and Scotland?
An established Church is one that is officially acknowledged and approved by the state.
The established Church in England is called The Church of England, which is also a mother church of
the international Anglican communion. Whereas The Church of Scotland is a Protestant church, or
even Calvinist. The monarch is the Head of both Churches.
3. In terms of Religion, the vast majority of the UK population practices…Christianity. The Church of
England has the most followers.
12 EDUCATION

1. What is the difference between state and public schools?

1. Well, public school also known as private school existed long before the organized
educational system for everyone was created. These type of educational establishments are
boarding schools as well ‘cause pupils live there during terms. Although tuition fee is
enormous, children are provided with a wide range of life-important things along with
branded uniform.
Moreover, speaking facts, state schools and private ones differ in the way they are funded. I
mean it is obvious with state ones but public schools are funded by donations and
endowments. And, of course, the quality of teaching may vary.

2. What are ‘nursery schools’?

Nursery schools were actually launched not long ago. In fact, these are free pre-schools and can
be used by children from 2 to 5 years old. Children are guaranteed a free, part-time early
education place/ (up to 12/5 hours per week)
3. What can you say about THE universities’ position in the UK?

As for the universities, they are remarkably independent and have their own timetable and
studying plans. Moreover, the tuition fees are enormous, however the students are
provided with accommodation on campus. As the number of places is limited, students get
a relatively high degree of personal supervision.

13. ECONOMY & EVERYDAY LIFE

1 What is TUC?
It stands for Trade Union Congress. It is the main organization for groups of employees and
it’s a voluntary association of country’s various trade unions. For sure there are hundreds
of small big unions from all working spheres. At first, the leader of TUC or general secretary
was one of the most powerful people in the country and was consulted by the Prime
Minister and other important government figures. Nevertheless the number of members
has declined as employees became disillusioned with the power of union and some
restrictions imposed by the government limited these powers.

2. What is Thatcherism?

Thatcherism comprises the conviction, economic, social and political style of the

British Conservative Party politician Margaret Thatcher, who was leader of her party
from 1975 to 1990. Thatcherism represents a belief in free markets which meant restricting
the freedom of business as little as possible by turning state-owned companies into ones
owned by individual members of public known as share holders. From 1980 to 1994 a lot of
companies were privatized or de-nationalized.
 3 How can you describe the British tax system?
The organization responsible for tax collecting is called Inland Revenue. For employees
paying their income tax is not something they have to worry about. It is deducted from
their pay cheque. The system is called PAYE pay as you earn.
The tax added to the price of something you buy is called VAT valued a

14 THE MEDIA

1. What’s the difference between “broadsheets” and “tabloids”?

There are two types of newspapers. Broadsheets are the quality newspapers that are printed on
terribly large-sized paper, so to be able to read as much information as possible without turning
the page. Tabloids at first were the popular papers (with “human interest” stories, devote little
space to politics) which were printed on much smaller pages so that they were easy to turn. But in
2004, two quality newspapers, The Times and The Independent, successfully adopted the tabloid
variant. And today the tabloid/broadsheet distinction no longer fits the facts.
2. What are newsagents?
It’s a person or shop selling newspapers, magazines and so on. In the early 1990s, newsagents
were the only shop that were allowed to open on Sundays. Most newsagents can also organise the
morning “paper round” — a newspapers delivery to your door.
3. How is the BBC financed?
It has the reputation of impartiality as it can’t be sponsored by a party. The BBC gets its income
from the licence fee which everybody who uses a television set has to pay. Still, it is the
government that decides the amount of the fee. So, in fact, the government could easily influence
what the BBC does. (But still it is thought that the BBC’s impartiality is sacred.)

15 TRANSPORT

1. What means of transport are heavily used in Britain?

Besides cars, the famous London Underground (the Tube) is still heavily used, even though it is
now one of the dirties and least efficient of all such systems in European countries. Also, the train
system should be mentioned, as there are a lot of commuters living in the suburbs far away from
their jobs. 
*The Routemasters are double-deckers. They have no doors and anyone can hop on and hop off
whenever one wants. 
The other distinctive feature is that they may have not only a driver but also a conductor, who
walks around collecting fares while the bus is moving.

2. What’s the British attitude towards mobility? How is it connected with privacy?
The British regard the ability to travel far and frequently as a right. The commuters can spend up to
several hours each day as it is taken for granted. For the British, the passion for privacy is
nationalised. That’s why they treat their cars as their “castles” on the wheels. Perhaps this is why
the “car pool” system wasn’t that successful. There is also a phenomenon of “Nimbyism” (that
stands for Not In My Back Yard). While the British want the freedom to move around easily, they
don’t want big roads or railways to be built near their houses.
16 WELFARE

1. What’s the benefit system?

It’s the system of direct payments by a government to the people in need. There are usually: a
benefit for people with low income, a benefit for those who can’t find a job, old-age pension, child
benefit, sickness benefit and death grants
2. What’s the NHS?
It stands for The National Health Service. It is a service, which provides health care for all UK
citizens. There is a medical insurance that is organised by the government and is compulsory (as
“national insurance contributions” are deducted from people’s salaries). Instead of entering into a
partnership with the hundreds of hospitals run by charities, it simply took most of them over. Most
of the system is organised centrally and there is little interaction with the private sector. 

*With NHS everything is free (as there “national insurance contributions” deducted from people’s
salaries) but the exceptions to free medical care are the teeth and eyes of adults.

3. Who are GPs and what’s their role in the NHS?

GPs are General Practitioners. A visit to the GP is the first step towards getting any kind of
treatment. They arrange tests, surgery, specialist consultation or medicine if it is necessary.