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UNIT 5. Constitutions of the USA and the UK
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UNIT 5. Constitutions of the USA and the UK
1. Прочитайте текст и ответьте на вопросы:
- When was the US Constitution adopted?
- What does the US Constitution consist of?
- How are the first 10 amendments to the US Constitution called?
- What rights and liberties are protected under the Bill of Rights?
- What is required in federal criminal cases?
- What kind of trial is guaranteed by the Bill of Rights?
- What are key features of the US Constitution?
- What are the three branches of power according to the Constitution?
- Is there a strict separation of powers?
- Does any branch have more power than the others?
- What duties does every branch have regarding the other branches under the principle of checks and balances?
- What are the composition and powers of the judicial branch according to the US Constitution?
TEXT 5
The US Constitution
The form of the US government is based on the Constitution of 1787 which was adopted after the War of Independence. The US Constitution consists of 7 articles and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are called the Bill of Rights and were adopted in 1791 under popular pressure.
The Bill of Rights is a series of limitations on the power of the United States federal government, protecting the natural rights and liberties, property including freedom of religion, freedom of speech, a free press, free assembly, and free association, as well as the right to keep and carry arms. In federal criminal cases, it requires indictment by a grand jury for any capital crime, guarantees a speedy, public trial with an impartial jury composed of members of the state in which the crime occurred.
A key feature of the US Constitution is federalism – the division of power between the national government and the states. Another major feature of the Constitution is the principle of the separation of powers within the national government. According to this principle the executive, legislative and judicial branches exercise powers that are largely separate and distinct. There is not a strict and complete separation of powers, the powers of the three branches overlap. Each branch has its own responsibilities, but no branch has more power than the other branches. There is the system of checks and balances, that is each branch has certain duties to check the powers of the other branches. This system was meant to protect against the extremes since it makes compromise and consensus necessary.
The legislative branch is called the Congress which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It is the responsibility of the Congress to propose and pass laws. In the system of checks and balances, Congress can refuse to approve Presidential appointments and can override presidential veto.
The executive branch consists of the President, the Vice President, the Cabinet and the 13 Departments, and also of the independent agencies. Its responsibility is to enforce laws. According to the principle of checks and balances, the President has the power of veto to reject the bill of the Congress. He also appoints all Supreme Court Justices.
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The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court, 11 Circuit Courts of Appeals and 94 District Courts. This branch explains and interprets laws and makes decisions in lawsuits. It has the power over the other two branches and according to the principle of checks and balances can declare their actions and laws unconstitutional in case they violate the principles of the Constitution.
2. Выразите согласие/несогласие со следующими утверждениями, используя ту или иную речевую модель.
Model:
c) I think it is true. The text tells us that ………
d) To my mind, it is false because …………
1. The US Constitution was adopted in 1918 after the World War I.
2. The first 10 amendments are called the Bill of Rights.
3. The Bill of Rights sets forth the structure of the Federal Government.
4. The key features of the US Constitution are federalism, the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances.
5. The legislative branch has more powers then the others.
6. The powers of the three branches don't overlap.
7. The system of checks and balances was meant to protect against the extremes.
8. The responsibilities of the Congress are to protect the rights of citizens and enforce laws.
9. The executive branch consists of the President, the Vice President, the Cabinet and the 13 Departments, and also of the independent agencies.
10. The judicial branch explains and interprets laws and makes decisions in lawsuits.
3. Прочитайте текст и ответьте на вопросы.
1. What makes the UK Constitution different from other constitutions?
2. What are the sources of the UK Constitution?
3. What is the core principle of the UK Constitution?
4. What bodies represent the three branches of power (executive, legislative and judiciary)?
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