Міністерство освіти і науки України Сумський державний університет 3508 Навчально-методичні матеріали «Going in for Law» з дисципліни «Англійська мова» для студентів спеціальності 8.030401 «Право» денної форми навчання Частина 2 3
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Міністерство освіти і науки України
Сумський державний університет
3508 Навчально-методичні матеріали
«Going in for Law»
з дисципліни «Англійська мова»
для студентів спеціальності 8.030401 «Право»
денної форми навчання
Частина 2
Суми
Сумський державний університет
2013
Навчально-методичні матеріали «Going in for Law» з дисципліни «Англійська мова». Частина 2 / укладачі: С. В. Міхно, Т. В. Початко, С. В. Початко, Л. Я. Хмелик. – Суми : Сумський державний університет, 2013. – 117 с.
Кафедра іноземних мов
ПЕРЕДМОВА
Друга частина навчально-методичних матеріалів. “Going in for Law” (середній та високий рівень) відповідає загальноєвропейським рекомендаціям та програмі з англійської мови для професійного спілкування (АМПС). Навчальні матеріали підібрано у відповідності до основних розділів права та спеціалізованих дисциплін, які вивчаються на юридичному факультеті. Вони передбачають вдосконалення раніше набутих практичних навичок застосування іноземної мови в професійній діяльності юристів.
Метою матеріалів є: читання та переклад текстів по спеціальності, розширення юридичного термінологічного словника, розвиток мовної здогадки на базі інтернаціоналізмів, словотворення та синонімів з виходом на усну комунікацію.
Реалізація цілей здійснюється завдяки спеціально підібраним аутентичним текстам та вправам, методично організованим так, щоб сформувати комунікативну компетенцію у студентів у професійному спілкуванні.
Навчально-методичні матеріали складаються з двох розділів, кожен з яких поділений на три тематично завершені частини. Обидва розділи мають єдину структуру, що дає змогу сформувати поетапний та ціленаправлений розвиток професійних мовленнєвих вмінь та навичок студентів. Структура навчальних матеріалів відповідає дидактичному принципу поступового зростання труднощів – як лексичних, так і граматичних. У системі завдань прослідковується спадкоємність та логічна завершеність. Тому для активного засвоєння нового матеріалу, рекомендовано більшість вправ виконувати письмово та дотримуватися послідовності завдань. Майже всі вправи мотиваційно обумовлені, що проявляється в ситуативному характері як лексичних, так і граматичних завдань. Робота з базовими текстами та післятекстовими завданнями спрощується наявністю термінологічного словника. До кожного розділу підібрано додаткові матеріали з розширеною та деталізованою інформацією згідно пройденої тематики. У додатку вміщено стислий граматичний коментар щодо правил словотворення та граматичних явищ, таблицю часових форм дієслова для активного та пасивного стану.
Під час підготовки навчально-методичних матеріалів було опрацьовано велику кількість першоджерел: підручників та новітніх навчальних посібників, які відповідають сучасним вимогам програми АМПС, з яких запозичено все найбільш цінне, корисне, необхідне та цікаве для майбутніх юристів.
UNIT 1
PART I
SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT OF UKRAINE
READING WITH A PURPOSE
Exercise 1 Read the text and fill in the gaps with the following figures. One figure is odd:
1654 47 million 1996 250 24 1991 603,700
TEXT A
POLITICAL MAP OF UKRAINE
On 24th August, 1) ________, Ukraine proclaimed* its independence from the USSR and began to construct a democratic state. This was a historic moment for Ukraine, as for many years its independence and culture had been in danger.
Since the collapse of Kyivan Rus, Ukraine had been under pressure from Tatar, Polish and Turkish invaders, all of them attempting to bring the people and land under one rule. This threat was reduced with the reunification* of Ukraine and Russia in 2) _________. This event happened at the Pereyaslav Rada under Bohdan Khmelnytsky’s guidance. For more than 3)__________ years Ukraine was part of Russia. In 1922 it became one of the republics of the Soviet Union.
Ukraine is the largest country in Europe. Recent figures show that 4) ___________ citizens* live in Ukraine, giving it the fifth largest population in Europe. Ethnic Ukrainians constitute 72 percent of Ukraine’s population. Other ethnic groups that are widespread in Ukraine are Russians (22 percent), Belarussians, Poles, Jews, Bulgarians, Hungarians and Tatars (less than 1 percent each).
The territory of Ukraine covers 5) ___________ square kilometres. According to the Constitution of Ukraine, the territorial structure of the country is composed of 6) ____________ regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, with further subdivision into districts, cities (each having its own districts), settlements and villages. The cities of Kyiv and Sevastopol possess a special status determined by law. Every city has a Mayor and a Mayor’s office.
to proclaim – проголошувати
reunification – воз’єднання
citizen – громадянин
Exercise 2 Match the words to their definitions and translate them.
1) reunificationa) independent and having the power to make decisions;
2) citizensb) those that show their choice or opinion in an
election;
3) autonomousc) joining the parts of a divided group, party,
or country together again;
4) proclaimedd) people who have a legal right to live in a
particular country;
5) deputiese) announced something officially or publicly;
6) votersf) members of the Ukrainian Parliament.
Exercise 3 Read text A once again and analyse verb structures. Identify their tense forms. For references see the grammar supplement.
Speaking task A: answer the questions. Use the map and give a brief presentation on Ukraine to your group.
1 Which region do you live in?
2 What regions surround it?
3 Which countries border on Ukraine?
4 How many of them used to belong to the Soviet Union?
Exercise 4 Read and translate the text into Ukrainian. Exercise 5 will help you.
TEXT B
CONSTITUTION OF UKRAINE
The Constitution of Ukraine was proclaimed and confirmed* on June 28, 1996 by the Verkhovna Rada. According to it Ukraine is the sovereign, independent, democratic and legal state. Ukraine is an unitarian state with single citizenship*.
The land, air space, mineral resources, water and other resources are objects of the property of the Ukrainian people. Ukraine is a republic. The people are the only source of power, which is exercised* directly and through the bodies of state power and local self-governments. The Constitution of Ukraine establishes the country’s political system, freedoms and duties of citizens and is the basis for its laws.
According to the Constitution every person has the right to the free development of his or her personality, and has obligations before society.
The Constitution guarantees the rights to life, non-interference in private and family life, personal inviolability and the inviolability of dwelling, free choice of residence, work, rest, education, social security, housing, health protection, medical care and medical insurance, a safe and healthy environment. In Ukraine there are no privileges or restrictions* based upon face, colour of skin, political and other beliefs, gender*, ethnic and social origin*, property*, ownership*, position*, place of residence, language, religion.
Citizens have equal* constitutional rights and freedoms and are equal before law. Citizens of Ukraine perform military services in compliance* with the law.
Defense of the Motherland, the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and respect for the state symbols are the duties of citizens. Every person must pay taxes in the order and amount determined* by law. No person may damage the environment and cultural heritage.
to confirm – затверджувати, схвалювати
single citizenship – єдине громадянство
to exercise – здійснювати
restriction – обмеження
gender – стать
origin – походження
property – майно
ownership – власність
position – посада
equal – рівний
in compliance – у відповідності
to determine – встановлювати
Exercise 5 Find the English equivalents of the following words and word-combinations in text B. Learn them by heart:
1 Правова держава.
2 Джерело влади.
3 Місцеве самоврядування.
4 Права, обов’язки та зобов’язання.
5 Суспільство.
6 Невтручання.
7 Недоторканість.
8 Особисте життя.
9 Суспільна захищеність.
10 Медичне обслуговування.
11 Страхування.
12 Довкілля.
13 Рівний.
14 Податки.
15 Культурний спадок.
Exercise 6 Read the text again and say, whether the statements are true or false. Translate them. Correct the false statements.
1 All mineral and natural resources belong to the Verkhovna Rada.
2 Local self-government is the only source of power in our country.
3 All citizens of Ukraine perform military services in compliance with the law.
4 The Constitution guarantees only the rights of Ukrainian citizens.
5 There are some restrictions in rights based upon colour of skin.
6 The Constitution establishes privileges for some groups of population.
Exercise 7 Use the words from the box to complete the sentences and translate them.
rights sovereign preamble obligations laws
1 The Constitution of Ukraine consists of the __________, 15 chapters and 161 articles.
2 The constitution guarantees the citizens the basic civil and political __________.
3 Ukraine is a __________ and independent, democratic, social, legal state.
4 The Constitutional Court resolves issues on constitutionality of __________.
5 Chapter II of the Constitution of Ukraine determines the rights and _________ of the citizens of Ukraine
Exercise 8 Complete and translate the sentences. Consult the Constitution of Ukraine if you need.
1 Article 29. Every person has right to freedom and personal ___________.
2 Article 43 assures the right to _______________.
3 Article 48 assures the right to sufficient living ____________.
4 Article53 assures the right to _____________.
5 Article 68 determines the duty of every person to observe the _________ and laws of Ukraine.
Exercise 9 Match the English words with their Russian / Ukrainian equivalents. Learn them by heart:
1) anthem;a) стяг, прапор;
2) to adopt;b) сміливість, хоробрість;
3) stripes;c) свобода;
4) banner;d) віршований текст;
5) trident;e) додавати;
6) seal;f) гімн;
7) lyrics;g) справедливість;
8) courage;h) символізувати;
9) justice;i) приєднуватися;
10) liberty;j) печатка;
11) to join;k) герб;
12) to add;l) смуги;
13) to stand for;m) приймати;
14) coat of arms;n) тризуб.
Exercise 10 Read the text and do the exercises given after it.
TEXT C
STATE SYMBOLS OF UKRAINE
The National Flag first appeared in 1848. The flag has two stripes: a blue one above a yellow one. The colours are symbolic – yellow for wheat in the fields and blue for the sky above them. The flag became a symbol of the all-Ukrainian unity.
The Ukrainian Anthem is a song called “Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished”. Its lyrics were written by Pavlo Chubynskyi and it was published in 1863. The same year it was set to music by Mykhailo Verbytskyi. The catchy melody and patriotic words made this song very popular among Ukrainians. Article 20 in the Constitution of Ukraine of 1996 defines it as the state anthem.
The National Emblem (Coat of Arms) of Ukraine is a trident – golden Tryzub on a blue shield*. It is the most ancient and dignified of all the Ukrainian symbols. Its history goes back to the first century A. D. The classic shape of the Ukrainian trident was found on the coins of Volodymyr the Great, who ruled in the 10th century. Then it was a mark of authority and a symbol of the ethnic groups which made up the Ukrainian nation.
shield – фон
Exercise 11 Match the dates to the symbols.
1848the anthem
1863the emblem
10th centurythe flag
Exercise 12 Match the names to the nouns they refer to according to text C.
Pavlocoins
Mykhailomusic
Volodymyrwords
Exercise 13 Read the text once again and fill in the gaps with the nouns from the list:
sky melody text symbol fields
a) yellow_____________
b) blue_____________
c) patriotic_____________
d) catchy _____________
e) ancient _____________
Speaking task B: answer the questions. Use them as a plan to speak about the Constitution of Ukraine.
1 When was the Constitution of Ukraine adopted?
2 What article of the Constitution of Ukraine guarantees the right to education?
3 What are the rights and obligations of the citizens of Ukraine?
4 What kind of state is Ukraine?
5 What are the State Symbols of Ukraine?
6 What is the territorial structure of Ukraine?
7 What status does the Crimea have?
8 When is Constitution Day celebrated in Ukraine?
Creative task: every country has its national symbols. Choose one of the Ukrainian symbols and describe it in details. The texts from additional reading to unit 1 may help you. Look at the Ukrainian banknotes. Are they the same as some years ago? Which regions and landmarks are shown on them? What are they famous for?
Exercise 14 Learn the different translations of the word “government”:
· державна влада
legislative government – законодавча влада
executive government – виконавча влада
judicial government – судова влада
· державне управління, управління, керівництво
a system of a government – система державного управління
to carry out the government of the state – здійснювати керівництво (керувати) державою
· форма державного правління, державний устрій, політичний лад
democratic / republican / federal / parliamentary / constitutional government – демократична / республіканська / федеративна / парламентська / конституційна форма правління
· уряд
Liberal / Labour / Conservative Government – ліберальний / лейбористський / консервативний уряд
representative / shadow / foreign government – представницький / тіньовий / іноземний уряд
powers of government – повноваження уряду
to form the government – формувати уряд
· урядовий
government investigation – урядове розслідування
Exercise 15 Match the word-combinations with appropriate Ukrainian translations taking into consideration different meanings of the word “government”. Learn them by heart:
1 presidential government;a) чинний, діючий уряд;
2 government of the day;b) місцеве самоврядування;
3 government offices;c) військова адміністрація;
4 local government;d) змішана форма правління;
5 government official;e) строк повноважень уряду;
6 government(al) department;f) урядовий чиновник;
7 government(al) regulation;g) урядове відомство;
8 government’s term of office;h) президентська влада;
9 military government;i) постанова уряду;
10 mixed government;j) тимчасовий уряд;
11 organs of government;k) урядові установи;
12 parliamentary government;l) розпустити уряд;
13 provisional government;m) парламентське правління;
14 to dissolve the government.n) органи державного
управління.
Exercise 16 Read and translate the text into Ukrainian.
TEXT D
STRUCTURE OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENT IN UKRAINE
The Constitution of Ukraine names three branches of government – the legislative, which consists of the Verkhovna Rada, the executive, headed by the President with the Cabinet of Ministers as the highest body and the judicial, which is led by the Supreme Court*.
The Ukrainian Parliament has one house (chamber) – the Supreme Council (the Verkhovna Rada). It is represented by 450 people’s deputies, elected for four year terms on the basis of universal, equal, direct suffrage* by secret ballot*. The Verkhovna Rada’s main function is making laws. Law drafting work is performed by its committees. The Verkhovna Rada adopts the State Budget for the period from January,1 till December,31 and controls the execution of it.
The Cabinet of Ministers – is the highest body of the executive power. It is headed by the Prime Minister who is appointed by the president and approved by the majority of the Verkhovna Rada. The Cabinet of Ministers carries out the fulfillment of the Constitution, as well as acts of the President. It develops and fulfills national programs on the economic, technological and cultural development of Ukraine.
The President is elected directly by voters for a term of five years with no more than two full terms. The President of Ukraine secures state independence, human rights and freedoms. The executive power in regions and districts is exercised by local state administrations. Their heads are appointed* by the President and are responsible to him.
Justice* in Ukraine is exercised entirely by the courts. It is administered by the Constitutional court and by the courts of general jurisdiction. The Supreme Court of Ukraine is the highest body of general jurisdiction.
The Autonomous Republic of Crimea has its own parliament and government.
Supreme Court – Верховний Суд
suffrage – виборче право, голосування
ballot – виборчий бюлетень
to appoint – призначати
justice – правосуддя, юстиція, справедливий
Exercise 17 Read the sentences below and mark them T (True) or F (False). Correct the false ones. Translate them.
1 The Ukrainian government consists of three branches.
2 The Constitution of Ukraine was adopted on August,24, 1991.
3 The Cabinet of Ministers is a law-making body.
4 There are forty-five people’s deputies in the Verkhovna Rada.
5 The executive power is headed by the Supreme Court.
6 The Prime Minister secures state independence, human rights and freedom.
7 The heads of the local state administrations are elected by the people.
Exercise 18 Complete the sentences according to text D.
1 The executive branch of power is headed by _________________.
2 The legislative power belongs to __________________________.
3 The judicial power is headed by ___________________________.
4 The Supreme Council is the nation’s _______________________.
5 Ukraine is divided into twenty-four ________________________.
Exercise 19 Use the words from the box to complete the sentences.
legislative executive the Cabinet judicial State Budget
1 The highest body of the ________________ branch is the Cabinet of Ministers.
2 The national parliament is a _________________ branch of power.
3 The Supreme Court heads ______________ power.
4 The President appoints _________________.
5 The Supreme Council discusses and adopts the________________.
Final creative task: make a project on the topic “National Government of Ukraine”. Find more facts about the political life in Ukraine in the newspapers KYIV POST and write about them.
Final speaking task: speak on the Structure of Ukrainian Government.
Exercise 20 Point out the suffixes in the following words and translate them into Ukrainian. Identify their parts of speech. For references see the grammar supplement.
Lawyer, remarkable, professional, directly, traditional, social, daily, position, manipulate, influence, impression, modify, bargainer, criminal, adjudication, information, settlement, approximately, litigation, considerable, unbiased, non-interference.
Exercise 21 Fill in the blanks with the derivatives of the words in italics. Analyse their parts of speech. Translate the sentences. For references see the grammar supplement.
1 A person who inhabits a city is its ______________.
2 Is he a popular politician? – Yes, his ______________ is great.
3 He is the owner of that property. His ______________ can’t be questioned.
4 This monument is a great symbol. It _____________ friendship of people all over the world.
5 You should divide these facts into classes, that is _________ them.
Final writing task: now that you have almost completed this part of unit 1 look through it once again to find “noun + noun” combinations. Write them down with the translation.
Note that shareholder is a noun + noun combination. It is written as one word. Share capital is also a noun + noun combination, but it is written as two words. There are no fixed rules for writing noun + noun combinations. Typically they start as separate words, but some of them become so closely associated that they merge into one word. Saxon genitive, for example employees’ handbook; prepositional phrase, for example confirmation of your appointment; noun + noun, for example job description.
Suggested activity in conclusion: decide what you think these quotations and proverbs mean. Think of examples to illustrate some of them:
1 A democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth, no property and vulgar* employments. (Aristotle).
2 In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of. (Confucius).
3 Every nation has the government it deserves. (Letter from Russia, 1811, Joseph Marie, Conte de Maistre).
4 Let the people think they govern and they will be governed. (William Penn).
5 In general, the art of government consists in taking as much money as possible from one class of citizens to give to the other. (Voltaire).
6 Your right to swing your arm ends just where the other person’s nose begins.
7 One person’s right is another person’s duty.
vulgar – загальнонародний, поширений
UNIT 1
PART II
SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT OF GREAT BRITAIN
READING WITH A PURPOSE
Exercise 1 Match the following English political terms with their Ukrainian equivalents. Use them to translate text A. Learn them by heart:
1) chairman;а) Верховний Суд;
2) bishop;b) загальні вибори;
3) county;c) гарантії;
4) Commander-in-Chief;d) головуючий;
5) Supreme Court;e) законодавчий орган;
6) constituency;f) головнокомандувач;
7) general election;g) палата громад;
8) guarantees;h) законопроект;
9) voters;i) виборчий округ;
10) lawmaking body;j) єпископ;
11) bill;k) графство (бр.), округ (ам.);
12) House of Commons;l) виборці.
Exercise 2 Read the following text and translate it.
TEXT A
STATE SYSTEM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
PART I
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the UK) is a parliamentary monarchy with a constitutional monarch as Head of State. The UK does not have a written constitution. Instead, it is made up of a combination of Acts* of Parliament.
The legislative power in the UK belongs to Parliament which comprises the Monarch, the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
In law the Monarch is head of the legislative, executive and judicial powers, the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and the supreme governor* of the Church of England. But in reality her role is mostly ceremonial.
The House of Commons consists of 650 Members of Parliament (MPs). They are elected by voters over the age of 18, by secret ballot, in each of Britain’s 650 parliamentary constituencies. The main function of the House of Commons is to make laws.
The Speaker is the chairman in the House of Commons. This is the person who controls discussion and makes sure that the rules of procedure are followed.
The House of Lords consists of about 1200 hereditary* and life peers* and some senior bishops named by the Queen. The main function of the House of Lords is to revise* Bills proposed by the House of Commons. But it cannot reject* them, it can only delay* a Bill from becoming law for six months.
The House of Lords is presided* over by the Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor is also responsible for the administration of justice.
Act (BrE) = Bill (AmE) – законопроект, указ, закон
supreme governor – верховний правитель
hereditary – спадковий
peer – пер
to revise – переглядати
to reject – відхиляти
to delay – відкладати
to preside – головувати, вести засідання
Exercise 3 Read the text again and say, whether the statements are true or false. Correct the false statement and translate them.
1 The British monarch is the head of the government.
2 There are two Houses in Parliament in the UK.
3 The House of Commons is more numerous than the House of Lords.
4 The House of Lords can reject the bills for becoming law for seven months.
5 The Commander-in-Chief is the chairman in the House of Commons.
Exercise 4 Decide which is the odd word in each group and explain why. More than one answer may be possible.
1) legislative democratic judiciary executive
2) court law bills judge
3) speaker voter representative member of parliament
4) conservative labour democratic liberal
Exercise 5 Read the second part of the text and translate it.
TEXT A
STATE SYSTEM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
PART II
The executive power in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the UK) belongs to the Government. Its main function is to put laws into effect* and plan policy.
The main political parties in the UK are the Labour and the Conservative parties. The leader of the party which wins the most seats* in the House of Commons at a general election becomes Prime Minister. As a head of Government the Prime Minister appoints about 100 ministers, of which about 20 are in the Cabinet. The Prime Minister (PM) heads cabinet meetings, appoints all government ministers and rules the country in the name of King or Queen.
The judicial power in the UK belongs to Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, County Courts, Courts of Appeal and the House of Lords as the Final Court of Appeal. Magistrates’ Courts deal with minor criminal and civil cases. Crown Courts deal with more serious criminal cases and County Courts deal with more serious civil cases. Courts of Appeal deal with criminal and civil cases.
Along with the national government there are local governments for administrative areas known as counties. The people elect representatives to regional and district councils* which are responsible for housing, education, transport, police and other social services.
There is no standard system of local government. In each county the local authorities* have the freedom to organise and administer services as they think will best suit the area.
to put laws into effect – втілювати закони
to win the most seats – набирати найбільшу кількість місць
district councils – районні ради
local authorities – місцеві органи влади
Exercise 6 Read the text again and say, whether the statements are true or false. Correct the false statements and translate them.
1 The executive power in the UK belongs to the Prime Minister.
2 The main function of the executive power is law enforcement.
3 Magistrates’ Courts deal with serious criminal and civil cases.
4 Crown Courts deal with minor criminal cases.
5 There is a standard system of local government in each county
Writing task: write down the answers to the questions according to text A (part I and part II).
1 What is the official name of Britain?
2 Who is the head of the state?
3 Whom does the legislative power in the UK belong to?
4 How many Houses are there in Parliament?
5 How many members are there in the House of Commons?
6 What is the main function of the House of Commons?
7 What is the main function of the House of Lords?
8 Whom does the executive power in the UK belong to?
9 What is the main function of the executive power?
10 Who is the head of the Government?
11 What are the duties of the Prime Minister?
12 What are the main political parties in the UK?
13 What types of courts function in the UK?
14 What is the final court of appeal in the UK?
15 What are the main responsibilities of the local government in the UK?
Speaking task: use the questions from the writing task as a plan to speak about the state system of Great Britain.
Exercise 7 Read the text and translate it.
TEXT B
NATIONAL SYMBOLS OF GREAT BRITAIN
The National Flag
The flag of Britain, commonly known as the Union Jack, represents the emblems of three countries under one Monarch. The emblems that appear on the Union Flag are the crosses of three patron saints: the red cross of St. George, for England, on a white ground; the white diagonal cross of St. Andrew, for Scotland, on a blue ground; the red diagonal cross of St. Patrick, for Ireland, on a white ground.
The final version of the Union Flag appeared in 1801, following the union of Great Britain with Ireland, with the inclusion of the cross of St. Patrick for Ireland. The cross remains on the flag although now only Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom.
Wales is not represented in the Union Flag because when the first version of the flag appeared, Wales had already united with England. The national flag of Wales, a red dragon on a field of white and green, dates from the 15th century. It is called the Welsh dragon.
The National emblem (Royal Crest)
The Royal Crest – a lion bearing the Royal crown – is used to denote articles of Queen’s personal property or goods bearing the Royal Warrant. The lion, “the king of beasts” has been used as a symbol of national strength of the British monarchy for many centuries.
The British National Anthem
The British National anthem was first performed in 1745. There is no authorized version – the words used are a matter of tradition. On official occasions it is usual to sing the first verse only, the words of which are as follows: “God save our gracious Queen! Long live our noble Queen! God save the Queen! Send her victorious, happy and glorious; long to reign over us! God save the Queen!”
Exercise 8 Complete the following sentences using the facts from text B. Translate them.
1 There are crosses and colours on the National Flag of the U.K.
2 The National Flag of Great Britain is also known as .
3 There are symbols of countries on the National Flag of the U.K.
4 The National Anthem of Great Britain is more than years old.
5 There is a on the Royal Crest of Great Britain.
Exercise 9 Answer the questions.
1 What is the design of the national flag of the UK?
2 What is an informal name of the national flag of Britain?
3 How is the Welsh flag called?
4 Why is Wales not represented in the Union Jack?
5 Why is lion used on the national emblem of Great Britain?
6 What is the origin of the national anthem of Great Britain?
READING COMPREHENSION
Exercise 1 Read and translate the text. Find out: a) information about different types of constitutions; b) parts of the British constitution; c) the differences between the constitutions of the USA and Great Britain.
TEXT C
CONSTITUTION – STANDARD OF LEGITIMACY*
Every state has a constitution, since every state functions on the basis of certain rules and principles. The United States has a written constitution but that the constitution of Great Britain is unwritten. In the United States there is a formal document called the Constitution, but there is no such document in Great Britain.
However many parts of the British constitution exist in written form, but important aspects of the American are wholly unwritten. The British constitution includes the Magna Carta*, the Petition of Right Act*, the Habeas Corpus Act*, the Bill of Rights*, the Act of Settlement*, the Parliament Act of 1911, the successive Representation of the People acts (which extended the suffrage), the statutes* dealing with the structure of the courts, the various local, government acts, and many others. These are not ordinary statutes. Even though they were adopted* in the ordinary legislative way, they are not codified within the structure of a single orderly document.
But some codified constitutions are much too detailed. An overlong constitution invites disputes and litigation. It is rarely read or understood by the ordinary citizen in cases in which flexibility* is often preferable. Since a very long constitution says too many things on too many subjects, it must be amended* often, and this makes it still longer. The 1949 constitution of India, with 395 articles, is the wordiest of all national constitutions. In contrast, the US Constitution is one of the shortest, containing about 4,300 words, not counting the amendments. Some of the world’s new constitutions, such as those of Japan and Indonesia, are also very short.
legitimacy – законність
Magna Carta – Велика хартія вільностей (1215)
The Petition of Right Act – Закон про права громадян, звертатися до суду
The Habeas Corpus Act – Закон про процесуальні права громадян, правилах арешту та притягнення до суду (1679)
the Bill of Rights – Білль про права (1689)
the Act of Settlement – Закон про престолонасдідування (1701)
statute – статут, закон
to adopt – приймати
flexibility – гнучкість
to amend – вносити поправки
Exercise 2 Are the statements true or false according to the text. Correct the false ones. Translate them.
1 The British constitution is described as rigid* because it cannot be amended by Parliament in the ordinary legislative way.
2 The United States Constitution is one of the longest constitutions.
3 Every state functions on the basis of certain rules and principles.
4 In the United States there is no formal document called the Constitution.
5 No part of the British constitution exists in written form.
rigid – фіксований, не гнучкий
Exercise 3 Complete the following sentences based on the information from text C.
1 Every state has а ...
2 The British Constitution includes …
3 The British constitution is described …
4 However many parts of ...
5 An overlong constitution ...
Exercise 4 Give the main ideas of the text. Make a plan of it in the form of questions and answers. Write down the summary of the text according to your plan.
Exercise 5 Read text 3 from “additional reading materials to unit 1” for more information on this topic.
Exercise 6 Supply the missing members of these word families. Define their parts of speech: n (noun), v (verb), adj (adjective), adv (adverb). Check your answers with the dictionary. The first word is done for you:
Model: 1) economy (n) – economic (adj), economics (n), economy (n), economist (n), economically (adv), to economize (v);
2) to govern, 3) to elect, 4) to employ, 5) to educate, 6) to qualify, 7) to corrupt, 8) democrat, 9) nature, 10) to support, 11) to contribute, 12) power, 13) industry, 14) law, 15) to solve, 16) politics.
Exercise 7 Read the information and translate it into Ukrainian, taking into consideration the meaning of the modal verbs:
Rules of Law
In Britain you officially become an adult on your eighteenth birthday. From that age you can vote in elections, borrow money from a bank, and you can be sent to prison. Until you are eighteen there are some things that you aren't allowed to do. Here are some examples. You can’t go into a pub until you are fourteen and if you go in, you must be with an adult. You can go into a pub on your own when you are sixteen, but you can’t buy or drink alcohol till you are eighteen.
You can ride a motorbike when you are sixteen, but you can't drive a car until you are seventeen. You can leave home and you can get married when you are sixteen, but only if your parents agree. When you are eighteen, you can leave home or get married, even if your parents don’t agree.
You aren’t allowed to leave school until you are sixteen.
You can get a part-time job when you are fourteen, but you can’t work in a shop until you are sixteen. You aren’t allowed to work in a cafe or restaurant until you are eighteen.
Exercise 8A Study the following table, correct the false information and write down the appropriate age for Ukrainian young people.
Young people and the law
age in the UK
age in Ukraine
They must go to school
They can buy a pet without their parents being there
They can get a part-time job
They can leave home without permission of their parents
They can get married if their parents agree
They can leave school and work full time
They can apply for a passport
They can drive a car but not a lorry
They can go to prison
They can vote
They can drink alcohol in public
5
12
12
15
15
16
16
16
17
17
16
Exercise 8B Write sentences saying what you needn’t / don’t need to do in your country.
– carry an ID card at all times;– be 21 before you can drive;
– have a work permit;– have a licence to own a gun;
– be 21 before you can marry;– call a police officer sir or madam.
Final writing task: now that you have almost completed this part of unit 1 look through it once again to find “noun + noun” combinations. Write them down with the translation.
Suggested activity in conclusion: decide what you think these quotations mean. Think of examples to illustrate some of them:
1 That the king can do no wrong is a necessary and fundamental principle of the English constitution (Sir William Blackstone).
2 Democracy means government by the uneducated, while aristocracy means government by the badly educated (1931, Gilbert Keith Chesterton).
3 You can never have a revolution in order to establish a democracy. You must have a democracy in order to have a revolution (Gilbert Keith Chesterton).
4 If has been said that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time (1947, Winston Churchill).
5 No government can be long secure without a formidable Opposition (Benjamin Disraeli).
UNIT 1
PART III
SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT OF THE USA
READING WITH A PURPOSE
Exercise 1 Read and translate the text. Learn the essential law terms by heart.
TEXT A
POLITICAL SYSTEM OF THE USA
PART I
The US Constitution names the three branches of government: the legislative, the executive, the judicial. They are separate and distinct from one another. Each branch serves as a check on the others. There is the system of checks and balances*, which keeps any branch from gaining too much power.
The executive branch of government is headed by the President who is assisted* by the Vice President. The US President is both head of State and government, enforces* federal laws, serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The Vice President, elected from the same political party as the President, acts as chairman of the Senate. The President of the USA is chosen in nationwide elections every 4 years together with the Vice-President. The President cannot be elected for more than two terms. The President’s Cabinet is made up of Department Secretaries*. The most important of them is the Secretary of State*, who deals with foreign affairs.
The United States of America is a federal republic consisting of 50 states. Each state has its own state government. In some ways the United States is like 50 small countries. The Constitution proclaims a federal system of government of the USA which keeps both the states and the federal power from getting too much power. The federal government is located* in Washington, D.C. The government of the USA acts according to the Constitution which was signed* by the representatives of thirteen original* American states in 1787. The document was written in 1787 and since that time twenty six Amendments have been added. The first ten Amendments* are known as the Bill of rights.
the system of checks and balances – система стримувань та противаг
to locate – знаходитися, розташовуватися
to sign – підписати, підписувати
original – перший
amendment – поправка (до резолюції, законопроекту)
to assist – допомагати, сприяти
to enforce – втілювати в життя
to veto – накладати вето, забороняти
Department Secretaries – міністри
Secretary of State – державний секретар, голова зовнішньополітичного відомства
Exercise 2 Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the box. Translate the sentences:
differences judicial Supreme amended Cabinet
executive veto vote legislative federalist
1 The US Constitution can be ______.
2 The Fifteenth Amendment gave black Americans the right to __________.
3 The United States has a __________ system.
4 The President is the head of the __________ branch.
5 The President’s __________ is composed of the department secretaries.
6 The __________ branch interprets the laws.
7 The __________ Court is the most important body of the judicial branch.
8 The President can __________ a law passed by Congress.
9 There are no clear __________ between the Republicans and the Democrats.
10 The __________ branch is represented by Congress.
Exercise 3 Study this table for better understanding the structure of the US government.
Organization of the United States Government
Branch
Members
How chosen
Term
Powers
Legislative
(Congress):
Senate
Two Senators from each state
House of Representatives
Number of Representatives varies according to state population
state election
state election
6 years
2 years
Makes new laws.
Sets federal taxes.
Overrules Presidential vetoes.
Approves treaties.
Impeaches the President or any civil officer.
Declares war.
Approves Presidential appointments and treaties with foreign nations.
Executive
President
with Vice President
national election
4 years
Enforces federal laws.
Appoints and removes high federal officials.
Commands the armed forces.
Conducts foreign affairs.
Recommends laws to Congress.
Approves or vetoes new laws.
Executive Departments
Presiden-tial appoint-ment
no set term
Conducts the administration of the national government.
Independent Agencies
Presiden-tial appoint-ment
no set term
Oversees government regulations.
Judicial
Supreme Court
Nine justices: a chief justice and associate justices
Presiden-tial appoint-ment
for life
Interprets laws according to the Constitution.
Has the power to declare actions of the Executive and Legislative branches unconstitutional.
Lower
Federal
Courts
Presiden-tial appoint-ment
for life
Decides cases that involve the Constitution and federal laws.
Exercise 4 Identify whether the statements are true or false. Correct them according to text A and the table above and translate.
1 The Congress appoints all federal judges.
2 The President may remove any official from office by impeachment.
3 The President holds his office for 5 years.
4 The Vice President is elected together with the President.
5 The Congress approves Presidential appointments.
6 26 amendments to the US Constitution are known as the Bill of rights.
Exercise 5 Read and translate the text paying attention to the diagram in exercise 7. Learn the essential law terms.
TEXT A
POLITICAL SYSTEM OF THE USA
PART II
The legislative power in the USA is vested* in the Congress, which consists of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are 435 members in the House of Representatives and 100 senators in the Congress. Each state elects two members for the Senate. The Congress is the main law-making body. All important laws are passed by it. The Congress has the power to make laws, but the President may veto any act of the Congress. The Congress can pass laws over the President’s veto by a two-thirds majority. The Congress has also the power to fix the number of judges sitting in the court, but it can’t change powers given to the Supreme Court by the American Constitution. Every state can make its own laws. A state may pass* stricter laws than the federal government if they don’t contradict* the federal law.
The judicial branch is represented by the several levels of federal and state courts. They interpret* and apply* the laws. The State court system is set up like the federal system. Both federal and state courts have courts of original jurisdiction* (they hear cases first) and courts of appellate jurisdiction* (they hear cases on appeal). Local courts are a part of the state system. The highest federal court is the US Supreme Court (SC). It’s the final court of appeal in all disputes involving the federal law. The Supreme Court includes a chief justice* and eight associate justices*, who are appointed for life. They are nominated by a President but must be approved by the Senate. In addition to the Supreme Court the Congress has established eleven federal courts of appeal and below them ninety four federal district courts*. The SC has the “power of judicial review*”. It means the right to declare* laws and acts of the federal, state and local government unconstitutional.
There is one more very important part of the American political scene – the political parties. There are two main political parties in the USA: the Democratic and the Republican. There is little ideological difference between them. Both parties have liberal and conservative wings.
After its 200th birthday the USA still holds the leading position in the world. The country inspired many names – “Land of Opportunity” and “God’s Country”. The USA is often called “the melting pot”, because different nationalities and ethnic groups have assimilated to make a new nation. It is also known as a “nation of immigrants” because the country was developed by generations of immigrants.
to vest – наділяти (правом), надавати права
to pass the law – приймати закон
to contradict – суперечити
to interpret – тлумачити
to apply – застосовувати
original jurisdiction – загальна юрисдикція, суд першої інстанції
appellate jurisdiction – апеляційний суд
chief justice – головуючий у суді США
associate justice – судовий
federal district court – федеральний окружний суд
judicial review – судовий перегляд
to declare – проголошувати, признавати
Exercise 6 Read the following statements and decide if they are true or false. Correct the false ones and translate them.
1 The law-making body of the American government is called the Congress.
2 There is an equal number of Senators representing each state in the USA.
3 Presidential elections in the USA are held every five years.
4 The elected President can serve as long as he wishes.
5 The USA nowadays has a two-party political system.
6 “Judicial review” is a law column in a newspaper in the USA.
Exercise 7 Examine the diagram below to describe the political system of the USA.
(PresidentCabinet(Executive))The System of Checks and Balances and Separation of Powers*
(The Presidentcan veto lawspassed byCongress)
(The Court can declare presidential acts unconstitutional)
(The Presidentappoints federaljudges) (Congress can pass laws over the President’s veto by a two-thirds majority)
(The Court can declare lawsunconstitutional)
(Congress:House-Senate may reject each other’s bills (Legislative)) (Supreme CourtFederal courts(Judicial))
(The Senate must confirm thePresident’s judicialappointments)
separation of powers – розподіл повноважень
Writing task A: answer the questions according to the information given in Text A (Part I and Part II).
1 What keeps any branch of government of the USA from gaining too much power?
2 The USA has a federalist system. What does it mean?
3 Where is the federal government located?
4 Who is the head of the executive power in the USA?
5 How often do the President's elections take place?
6 Who deals with foreign affairs in the USA?
7 Where is the legislative power vested?
8 How many members are there in the House of Representatives?
9 What is the definition for the “judicial review”?
10 What political party is in power in the USA now?
Speaking task A: use the diagram and questions from writing task A as a plan to speak about the political system of the USA.
Exercise 8 Read and translate the text.
TEXT B
THE US CONSTITUTION
A “constitution” in American political language means the set of rules, laws, regulations and customs which together provide the practical norms or standards regulating the work of the government. The document, known as the US Constitution, is only a part of body of rules and customs. Supreme court decisions, interpreting parts of the US Constitution, laws, regulations and customs are part of the basic law (the so-called “live Constitution”).
On September,l7, 1787, after the War of Independence the Constitutional Convention met behind closed doors to formulate a Constitution for the US. The Constitution with some amendments is in force to this day. The US Constitution begins with the words: “We, the people…”. It consists of the Preamble, 7 articles and 26 amendments. The first ten of them are called the Bill of Rights and adopted under the popular pressure in 1791. They guarantee participation in the political process, respect for personal beliefs, personal privacy, etc. According to the Constitution every citizen has rights which can not be violated. The Constitution of the USA is flexible: it can be amended. Its basic principles can be applied and interpreted differently at different times. It is the highest form of law in the USA. Below it, in order of authority, are the laws of Congress, state constitutions, state statutes and local statutes.
The Constitution sets up a strict division or separation of powers, classifying governmental powers, as executive, legislative and judicial and entrusting* the performance of each to separate agencies (the President and his Administration, Congress and Supreme Court). The President has the power to veto acts of the legislature, but that body may override* the veto by a two-thirds vote of both houses. Moreover, the Congress may impeach the Chief Executive* and remove him from office. The Congress passes laws, but the President enforces them.
to entrust – доручати, довіряти
to override – скасовувати
Chief Executive – глава виконавчої влади
to enumerate – перераховувати
Exercise 9 Answer the questions according to the information given in Text B and translate them.
1 When was the Constitution of the USA adopted?
2 What does the Bill of Rights guarantee?
3 How many Amendments have been added to the Constitution since 1787?
4 What does the Constitution proclaim?
5 Why does the US Constitution work as well today as 200 years ago?
Exercise 10 Match the following words and word-combinations from the box with their definitions.
suffrage ballot county treaty
amend constituency term of office Bill of Rights
1 To change or modify for the better, improve.
2 The period during which an elected officer performs functions and enjoys privileges.
3 The inhabitants of an electoral district.
4 The first ten amendments to the US Constitution.
5 Agreement made and signed between nations.
6 The right of voting in political elections.
7 Division of Great Britain, the largest unit of local government.
8 A piece of paper used during secret voting.
Exercise 11 Complete the sentences with the verbs in brackets in the Passive Voice. Analyse the grammar form and translate them. For references see the grammar supplement.
Model: In Britain, members of the House of Lords are not elected (not to elect). – Present Simple Passive.
1 Slavery (to abolish) in the USA in 1865.
2 When senators in the US (to elect), they serve a six-year term.
3 The American Declaration of Independence (to write) by Thomas Jefferson.
4 An election (to hold) every four years in the USA.
5 A new law (just, to pass) in parliament.
6 a woman president (to elect) in the future?
7 Two changes (to make) to the America Constitution in 1791.
Writing task B: complete the following information with the words from the box and translate the completed text.
Separation of powers Federalism Checks and balances
Republicanism
Intellectual Origins of the Constitution of the USA
The creation of U.S Constitution was a remarkable achievement by a young nation. However, only one of its four basic political principles was “made in America”. The other three were inspired by ideas that first grew on foreign soil.
. In this form of government, power resides in the people and is exercised by their elected representatives. Government is the common business of the citizens, conducted for the common good. This idea may be traced to the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 B.C.), who advocated a “mixed” constitution that contained principles of democratic and oligarchic government.
. The power of government are shared by a central body and territorial units. Citizens in federal government are subject to two different bodies of law. It is a distinctly American idea, created by the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
. The responsibilities of government are divided among separate branches. This idea was formulated in a fragmentary way by John Locke. But its fullest exposition came from French philosopher Charles-Louis de Secondat Montesquieu (1689-1755).
. The branches of government control each other. This idea was first advanced by two Englishmen, the statesman Henry St. John Bolingbroke (1678-1751) and the jurist William Blackstone (1723-1780)
Speaking task B: discuss in what way the Ukrainian system of government differs from British and American systems. Complete the table and use it for references.
Branches of the national government
Ukraine
Great Britain
the USA
the legislative
the executive
the judicial
Exercise 12 Read and translate the text.
TEXT C
NATIONAL SYMBOLS OF THE USA
On June 14, 1777 the Congress of the United States confirmed the national Flag. The flag of the USA has several popular names: the “Stars and Stripes”, “Old Glory”, the “Star Spangled Banner”. It represents the growth of the nation. The flag has 13 horizontal stripes, 7 red and 6 white, which stand for the original 13 states. In the top left hand corner there are 50 white stars on a blue background: one star for each state. The last star was added when Hawaii joined the US in 1959. Every state has its own flag, its own emblem and its own anthem too. Americans enjoy their flag. The Stars and Stripes are on government offices and public schools, stand by the President’s desk. On the 4th of July, Independence Day, the Stars and Stripes can be seen everywhere – on the streets, on the houses and in the big parades.
The Statue of Liberty is the symbol of American democracy. It stands on Liberty Island in New York. It is one of the first things people see when they arrive in New York by sea. This National Monument was a present from France to the USA. France gave the statue to America in 1884 as a symbol of friendship. Liberty carries the torch of freedom – in her right hand. In her left hand she is holding a tablet with the inscription “July 4, 1776” – American Independence Day.
The National Emblem of the USA
The Great Seal of the United States is the official seal printed on important documents to prove that a document is from the US government. The seal has two sides. On one side there is a picture of a white-headed bald eagle, the national bird of the USA. The eagle became the national emblem of the country in 1782. It has an olive branch – a symbol of peace – in one claw and 13 arrows, according to the number of the original 13 states, in the other. Above the eagle’s head there is a motto in Latin “E Plurilous Unum” which means “Many United”. On the other side there is a picture of a Pyramid with an eye above. Both designs are printed on the back of a one-dollar bill.
The National Anthem of the USA
The words of the National Anthem of the USA “The Star-Spangled Banner” were taken from a poem by Francis Scott Key about a battle between Britain and the USA in 1812. The Anthem is usually sung at the beginning of large public events and especially at professional sports events such as a baseball or a football game. People are expected to stand up and put their right hand over their hearts while the song is being sung in order to show respect and support for their country.
Exercise 13 Complete the sentences and translate them.
1 The popular names of the American flag are .
2 The stars and the stripes on the flag mean .
3 When a new state joins the USA another is added to the flag.
4 The national emblem of the USA is a eagle.
5 The national anthem of the USA is .
Exercise 14 Answer the questions:
1 What is the origin of the American flag?
2 What are the colors of the American flag?
3 How many stripes has the flag got?
4 What is the national emblem of the USA?
5 Where is the Statue of Liberty placed?
6 What country presented the Statue to the USA?
7 What is the origin of the national anthem of the USA?
8 How do Americans show their respect and support for their country?
Final speaking task: speak on the following:
1 Why do you think each independent state should have its national symbols?
2 Have you ever seen or heard the national anthem of your country being sung by its citizens? On what occasions?
3 What feeling do you think people have when they sing their national anthem?
4 On what occasions are national flags hung in the streets?
5 Where can you see the national emblem of the country?
6 Do you agree that the design of the national flag should be used anywhere and everywhere?
7 Can people, in your opinion, become more patriotic if they know more about the history of the state symbols of their country?
8 What do you think should be done to make people feel really patriotic?
Final writing task: now that you have almost completed this part of unit 1 look through it once again to find “noun + noun” combinations. Write them down with the translation.
Suggested activity in conclusion: decide what you think these quotations mean. Think of examples to illustrate some of them:
1 The true Republic: men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less. (1872, Susan Brownell Anthony).
2 The U.S. Presidency is a Tudor monarchy plus telephones. (John Anthony Burgess (Wilson)).
3 The State is made for man, not man for the State. (Albert Einstein).
4 No man is good enough to govern another man without that other’s consent. (1854, Abraham Lincoln).
5 As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. (1858, Abraham Lincoln).
6 The deterioration of every government begins with the decay of the principles on which it was founded. (Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu).
7 Democracy … is a charming form of government full of variety and disorder, and dispensing a kind of quality to equals, and unequal’s alike. (Plato)
ADDITIONAL READING MATERIALS TO UNIT 1
1 WE ARE UKRAINIANS
Exercise 1 Read and translate the text and do the exercises given after it.
Ukraine has a population of 47 million people. It is the second most populous country of the former Soviet Union, after Russia. But its population is diminishing due to emigration and low birth rates.
72% of Ukraine’s population are Ukrainians. Other ethnic groups widely spread in Ukraine are: Russians (22%), Belarussians, Polish, Jews, Bulgarians, Hungarians and Tatars (less than 1% each).
More and more people are moving from villages to towns and cities. There are five cities with a population of more than 1 million. These are: Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk and Odessa.
The state language is Ukrainian. It belongs to the Eastern-Slavonic language group. Many people believe that the Ukrainian language is very melodious, the second most melodious in the world, after Italian.
Ukrainians are very kind and hospitable. They welcome visitors open-heartedly and treat them warmly and generously.
Because of a diversity of ethnic groups, Ukrainians do not look alike and cannot be stereotyped to one kind of appearance. However, many think that Ukrainian women are very attractive.
Ukrainians usually have close-knit families of several generations and like to spend time with their family, dining, walking, playing and going on holidays together.
Exercise 2 Match these numbers with the words on the right:
fivepopulation
47 millionbig cities
72%Russians
22%Ukrainians
Exercise 3 Mark the sentences T (True) or F (False). Correct the false onces and translate them.
1 Ukrainians make up 90% of Ukraine’s population.
2 The Ukrainian language belongs to the Western-Slavonic language group.
3 The Italian language is more melodious than Ukrainian.
4 Ukrainian women are quite charming.
5 All Ukrainians are very much alike and may be stereotyped to one kind of appearance.
2 THE NATIONAL SYMBOLS OF UKRAINE
Exercise 1 Read and translate the following text.
The National Flag
The Ukrainian Constitution states that the National symbols of the country are the National Flag, the National Emblem and the National Anthem. They were adopted by the Verkhovna Rada in 1992. The Ukrainian flag consists of two horizontal stripes of equal width. The top is blue and the bottom is yellow. These are the colours of the sky, the mountains, the rivers and the golden fields of our beautiful country. Blue and yellow (or gold) were symbols of Kyivan Rus long before the introduction of Christianity. These colours can be found on the ancient emblems of the cities of Mirgorod, Lubny, Pryluky and some others. In the seventeenth century the banners of the Cossacks were blue with gold stars or with pictures of saints embroidered in gold.
The National Emblem (Coat of Arms)
Similar to other European nations, the National Emblems of Ukraine have changed during the millennium of Ukrainian history owing to various political, social, cultural and other factors. The contemporary national coat of arms of Ukraine is a trident. The first image of a trident appeared in the ninth century A.D. when Ihor, Prince of Kyivan Rus sent ambassadors to sign a treaty with the Byzantine Emperor and they sealed the document with a trident. As the official emblem of Kyivan princes the trident was stamped on the gold and silver coins and seals of Volodymir the Great (979–1015); the Grand Prince of Kyiv. You can also see it on frescoes and porcelain dishes of that time. Tridents continued to be used as additional dynastic badges until the 15th century, though the image of Saint Michael the Archangel was the highest national symbol in the 12th century.
The secrets of the origin and meaning of the Ukrainian trident have still not been completely solved by scholars. The archaeological finds of tridents in Ukraine go back to the first century A. D. Undoubtedly, this emblem was a mark of authority and a mystic symbol of one or several of the ethnic groups which the inhabited ancient Ukrainian territory and which came to compose the Ukrainian nation. It is thought that the trident represented the division of the world into three spheres: the earthly, the celestial and the spiritual – as well as the union of the three natural elements: air, water and earth.
In 1918 the trident was adopted as the national symbol of independent Ukraine. The Soviet Ukraine replaced it with its own coat of arms – a crossed hammer and sickle on a red shield with a red star above it and the rising sun in the base. Sovereign Ukraine adopted the trident as its emblem again in 1992.
The National Anthem of Ukraine
The Anthem of Ukraine “Shche ne vmerla Ukraina” (“Ukraine Has Not Perished Yet”) is of quite recent origin. In 1863 the Lviv journal “Meta” (“The Goal”) published the poem of the scientist and poet Pavlo Chubynsky which was later mistakenly ascribed to Taras Shevchenko. In the same year it was set to music by the Galician composer Mykhaylo Verbytsky, first for solo and later for choral performance. As a result of its catchy melody and patriotic lyrics, the song quickly acquired popularity. In 1865 it was sung at the conclusion of the program at the great Shevchenko celebration in Peremyshl. In 1917 the song was officially adopted as the anthem of the Ukrainian state.
The Soviet Ukraine had no anthem of its own until 1949. Instead “The Internationale” and later “The Hymn of the USSR” were used. In November 1949 an Anthem of the Ukrainian Republic “Zhyvy, Ukraino” was adopted. When Ukraine gained its sovereignty “Ukraine Has Not Perished Yet” became the state anthem again.
3 CONSTITUTION – STANDARD OF LEGITIMACY
Exercise 1 Read the text and answer the questions after it.
Constitution is the body of doctrines and practices that form the fundamental organizing principle of a political state. In some states, such as the United States, the constitution is a specific written document. In others, such as the United Kingdom; it is a collection of documents, statutes, and traditional practices that are generally accepted as governing* political matters. In its wider sense, the term “constitution” means the whole scheme whereby* a country is governed. In its narrower sense, “constitution” means the leading legal rules, usually collected into some document. But no country’s constitution can ever be compressed within the one document. It is necessary to consider the extra legal rules, customs, and conventions* that grow up around the formal document.
Written constitutions. In most Western countries the constitution, using the term in the narrower sense, is a scheme of government that has been adopted by the people. Examples are the Constitution of the United States, drawn up in 1787 and ratified in 1789 and still unchanged; the constitution of the Weimar Republic (the Federal Republic of Germany), brought into force in 1949; and the constitutions that France has had since the Revolution. The constitution in these countries is the basis of public law. It is usually enacted* оr adopted with special formalities and special processes are devised* for its amendment*.
The English constitution. In England there is no one document or fundamental body of law that can be described as a “constitution” in the sense that has been discussed above. The absence of any such document has led to the suggestion (perhaps first made by Alexis de Tocqueville) that there is no constitution in England. The English constitution is a part of the ordinary law. But they are in no sense a constitutional code; and without judicial decisions, other statutes, customs and conventions, these statutes would be unworkable*. The sources of English constitutional law are – statutes, judicial precedents, textbooks, lawbooks, the writings of historians and political theorists, the biographies and autobiographies of statesmen, the columns of every serious newspaper, the volumes* of Hansard*, the minutiae* of every type of government record* and publication. This is what is meant by saying the English constitution is “unwritten”: it is not formally enacted; its rules have to be sought out in a dozen fields, not in any one code. And it is flexible, and here the contrast is with a rigid constitution. There are no special safeguards* for constitutional rules; constitutional law can be changed, amended, or abolished*. There is no field in which Parliament is forbidden* to legislate*.
From “Britannica”
to govern – правити
whereby – за допомогою якої
convention – конвенція, звичай, договір
to enact – запроваджувати
to devise – винаходити, розробляти
amendment – поправка
unworkable – незастосовний
volume – том
Hansard – розм. Офіційний звіт про засідання англійського парламенту
minutiae – дрібниці, деталі
record – запис, протокол
safeguard – гарантія
to abolish – скасовувати
to forbid – забороняти
to legislate – видавати закони
Exercise 2 Answer the questions according to the information from the text:
1 What is the definition of the Constitution?
2 What is the US Constitution?
3 What is the UK Constitution?
4 What does the term “constitution” mean in its wider sense?
5 What does it mean in its narrow sense?
6 In what countries is the constitution the basis of public law?
7 Who first made the suggestion that there was no constitution in England? And why?
8 What are the sources of English constitutional law?
9 What is meant by saying the English constitution is “unwritten”?
4 POLITICS
Exercise 1 Read the information below.
Types of Government
Monarchy: a state ruled by a king or queen (the king or queen has power and control). Some countries, e.g. the UK, have a monarchy, but the monarch is not the ruler.
Republic: a state governed by representatives (men or women chosen by the people) and a president, e.g. the USA or France. People who believe in this system are republicans.
Democracy: a system of government in which leaders are chosen by the people, e.g. France or the United Kingdom. People who believe in this system are democrats.
Dictatorship: a system of government in which one person rules the country (one person has total power). This person is called a dictator.
Political beliefs
Noun politics
Person politician
Adjective political
Conservatism
Socialism
Social democracy
Liberalism
Communism
Conservative
Socialist
Social democrat
Liberal
Communist
Conservative
Socialist
Democratic
Liberal
Communist
People who believe in social democracy are social democrats.
It is a democratic government, with liberal beliefs.
Political positions
The government is very reactionary (they don’t want any changes). The opposition (the main political party which is not in government) is more radical. They want to make changes to the system. The Prime Minister is quite right-wing (conservative / capitalist), and the leader of the opposition is more left-wing (socialist).
Elections
In a democracy, people vote for (they choose in a formal way) the political party (e.g. social democrats) they want to form the government. They do this in an election (when everyone votes). Quite often elections take place/are held (happen) every five years.
42% voted for the socialists in the election. (The socialist party got 42% of the votes). They elected a new president last year. The new president was elected last year. The election takes place next week, and the Liberals hope to form the next government.
Government
Political systems are different all over the world (in every part of the world). In the UK, when a political party wins a majority (51% or more) of seats (official places in parliament) in an election, they are in power (the government of the country), and their leader (person in control of the party) becomes Prime Minister.
The government must have policies (programmes of action) to run (manage and control) the country. This means, for example, an economic policy (for the economy), and a foreign policy (for actions by the country in other parts of the world).
Note that policy – is a set of ideas or plans that is used as a basis for making decisions, especially in politics, economics or business. Politics – are the actions or activities which people use to achieve power in a country, society or organization.
Exercise 2 What kind of political system is being described?
1 The country is ruled by a king or queen.
2 The country is governed by men and women who are chosen by the people.
3 The country is ruled by one person.
Exercise 3 Complete the tables. Use a dictionary to help you if necessary.
General noun
Person
Socialism
Democracy
Politics
Conservatism
socialist
Verb
General noun
Believe
Elect
Govern
Vote
belief
Exercise 4 Translate and match these types of government with their dictionary definitions.
a) democracy;1) government by a small group of people, often for their own interests;
b) totalitarianism;2) government by the people or the representatives of the people;
c) monarchy;3) a country in which most of the citizens
are controlled by (secret) political police;
d) dictatorship;4) a political system in which every citizen
is subject to the power of the state, which
exercises complete control;
e) oligarchy;5) a system ruled by someone with complete power, especially if that power was gained by force;
f) tyranny;6) the system of rule by a king or queen;
g) police state;7) the use of power cruelly and / or unjustly to rule a person or country.
Exercise 5 Rewrite the sentences using the words on the right. The meaning must stay the same. Make any necessary changes.
Model: It’s in every part of the world. – It’s all over the world. ALL
1 Elections take place every five years.HELD
Elections .
2 The government is socialist.WING
The government is .
3 I’m a democrat.BELIEVE
I .
4 Who controls the country at the moment?POWER
Who .
Exercise 6 Fill the gaps in this text about the political system in the UK.
In the UK (1) take place every five years. The (2) Minister may decide to have one after four years, but five years is the maximum. The country is divided into 650 areas and people in each area can only (3) for one person from one political (4) . The person with the most (5) is the winner, and that person becomes of the 650 members of parliament. The political party with a (6) of the seats in parliament then forms the government, and the (7) of that party becomes Prime Minister. His or her job is then to decide on a number of different (8) to run the country.
Exercise 7 Answer these questions about your own country. If possible, ask someone else.
1 Which are the main political parties in your country?
2 Which party is in power at the moment?
3 When were they elected?
4 Did you vote in the last election?
5 Who is the leader of this party?
6 Is this person the President or Prime Minister of your country?
7 Do you think you are left-wing, right-wing, or in the centre?
8 Do you think your political beliefs will change during your life?
Exercise 8 Match the verbs with their complements. Tick the boxes. Make the sentences with these words combinations.
Parliament
Election
A candidate
Your local party
A constituency
Stand for
Stand as
Nominated by
Represent
Resign from
Writing task: now choose a famous politician or leader from our country. Write notes about him / her, an introductory and a concluding sentence and read your presentations aloud to the group.
5 ELECTIONS IN THE UK
Exercise 1 Read the text and do the exercises after it.
In the United Kingdom (the UK), elections are held about every five years. The UK is divided into 650 political areas, called constituencies, and in each constituency people vote for one person representing the political party they want to see in power. The politician with the most votes becomes the Member of Parliament (known as an MP) for that area. Parliament, therefore, consists of 650 MPs, and the party with the majority of MPs forms the government. The leader of that party also becomes Prime Minister.
GLOSSARY:
election – the time when people choose individuals to speak for them and act for them; elect v;
hold smth – organize an event such as an election;
constituency – one of the areas into which the country is divided for voting in political elections;
vote for smb / smth – choose smb / smth in an election; vote n;
represent smb / smth – act officially for people or an organization;
political party – a group of people with the same ideas who want to win an election (e.g. the Labour Party, the Conservative Party);
in power – in political control of the country;
politician – a person with a job in politics;
parliament – the group of people elected to make the laws in a country;
consist of smth – be formed or made up of smth;
majority – the largest number or part of smth; opp minority;
government – the group of people in control of a country; govern v;
prime minister (or PM) – the leader of the government in some countries.
Exercise 2 Are these sentences true or false in Britain? Correct the false ones and translate them.
Model: The British parliament consists of 650 elected representatives. T
1 Elections must be held every four years. ___
2 People can only vote for one person in election. ___
3 Two or three people may be elected in each constituency. ___
4 If you are a Member of Parliament, you are in the government. ___
5 The leader of the largest political party in parliament becomes prime minister. ___
6 The party with the minority of elected MPs forms the government. Exercise 3 Complete the sentences and translate them.
Model: PM is an abbreviation of prime minister.
1 How often do they hold __________________ for parliament?
2 Parliament _______________ of people from a number of different political ______________.
3 In the UK, the Conservative Party was in _______________ from 1979 to 1997.
4 Who did you ________________ for in the last election?
5 Politicians __________________ the people who elect them.
6 She had over 50 per cent of the votes, so a ___________________ of the people voted for her.
6 POLITICAL OBJECTIVES
Exercise 1 Read the information and do the exercises after it.
The government has announced that its first priority will be education, and today the prime minister will focus on the need for more young people to go to university.
A new transport policy will be announced today, which aims to persuade motorists to leave their cars at home.
The government will face strong opposition to their new immigration policy.
An Olympic athlete has been chosen to launch the government’s new fitness campaign.
GLOSSARY:
objective – a thing you are trying to do, syns aim, goal;
announce smth – say smth officially and in public; announcement n;
priority – a thing that is important or that you must do before anything else;
focus on smth – give all your attention to smth; focus n;
need for smth – a situation in which you must have or do smth;
policy – a plan to do smth, agreed by a government, company, etc;
persuade smb (to do smth) – give reasons to make smb agree (to do smth);
face smth – have to deal with a difficult situation;
oppose smth – to disagree with something and try to change it;
opposition – the main political party in parliament, but not forming the government, is called the Opposition (used with a singular or plural verb);
immigration – the process of coming to live in a country that is not your own (the people are called immigrants);
emigration – the movement of people from a country;
launch smth – start smth new, especially a campaign or product;
campaign – (often used in politics or business) a plan to do a number of things with a specific aim.
Exercise 2 Underline the correct part of the sentence.
Model: If you persuade somebody to do something, they do / don't do it.
1 If you announce something, you say it in public / private.
2 A priority is important / not important.
3 If you face a problem, you avoid it / deal with it.
4 If you launch something, you start it / finish it.
5 Immigration is the process of coming / going to live in a foreign country.
6 If you oppose something, you agree / disagree with it.
Exercise 3 Complete the sentences and translate them.
Model: Helping poor people is a major priority for the government.
1 Do you agree with the government’s economic ______________.
2 They’ve launched a _________________ to educate people about the tax system.
3 Some MPs already agree with the prime minister, but he still has to ______________ others.
4 The USA received a lot of European _______________ in the early twentieth century.
5 The main ______________________ of the education policy is to give parents more choice.
6 It’s clear that the _____________________ disagree strongly with the government’s policy.
7 In his speech, the prime minister will ________________
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