英语国家概况精讲系列（一）

页脚内容1 1. What are the differences in political system between the UK and the USA?

Differences

First the political party system .Britain appears the earliest bourgeois party

in the world and it is the first country to establish and implement two-party system:

two-party system combined with the British cabinet system. The cabinet consists of

the political party which gains the majority at a general election. The largest

opposition party is the House of Commons which can establish a shadow cabinet. The

organization of British Party is strict and there are many party members. Britain's

two political parties are two different political factions in the parliament at first.

On the contrary, the internal organization of American political party is very loose.

The ruling party masters executive power, but doesn’t master the legislative power.

American's two political parties aim at supporting and opposing federalism. The

party's main activity is the presidential campaign. The two-party system is stable.

This kind of system will cause the United States parties which are in the middle

of the internal organization is very weak.

Second comparison is the Constitution. Up until now, t the Britain does not have

a single document called the Constitution but its constitutional provisions are

scattered over various Acts of Parliament. The British constitution is the product

of a long-term historical evolution. It is the sum total of the common law over the

years. The basic principle of the British Constitution is obscure. However, the

United States has a written constitution which is very difficult to change. The

United States Constitution is the fundamental law of America, which establishes the

legal basis for the American political system.The US Constitution has four major

principles: separation of powers, federal system, doctrine of constitutional

supremacy and equality. The two purposes of the United States constitution are

limiting the power of the government and protecting people's freedom.

Third is the legal system. American and British legislative systems have the same

principles in general Parliament is the center of the British political stage and

is Britain's top legislative branch. The government is elected from the parliament

and it should be responsible for the parliament. Parliament is a bicameral

legislature. The House of Commons and the House of Lords constitute the British

Parliament. In the meantime, the U.S. congress is the highest legislative branch,

which consists of the senate and the House of Representatives. The main powers of

congress are legislative power, supervisory power of judicial administration,

examination and approval authority and amending power. In addition, congress can

pass the resolution which does not need the president to sign.

2. What is the role of the Monarch in the UK?

Monarchy is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom. 英语国家概况精讲系列（一）

页脚内容2

In a monarchy, a king or queen is Head of State. The British monarchy is known as

a constitutional monarchy. This means that, while The Sovereign is Head of State,

the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament.

Although the British Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or

she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation.

As Head of State, The Monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties

which have developed over one thousand years of history. In addition to these State

duties, The Monarch has a less formal role as 'Head of Nation'. The Sovereign acts

as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and

continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal

of voluntary service.

3. How do you comment on the British education system?

课本66页简述+First，these deucation can develop their creativity and

imagination maybe that is why there are so mang Nobel Prize's winners and

plenty of inventions.Second,these education can give them a chance to

enter a famous college like Oxford and Cambridge which is the best single

way to guarantee them a successful career.Third these education can

develop their patriotism which is important to a country.Of course ,this

will lead to a peaceful society.These education can also inspire their

passion to make countribution to their society to make a more prosperoty

country. These education make a fully developed person who always knows

what he wants to do and how to do it well,and then he can live a happy

life.

4. What do you think of the Open University in Britain?

5. How do you comment on the American education system?