The United States of America.
The United States of America is the 4th largest country in the world after Russia, Canada and China. It lies in the central part of the North American Continent between the two oceans: the Atlantic Ocean in the East and the Pacific Ocean in the West.
Canada in the North and Mexico in the South are the only countries that have borders with the USA.
Once the country was an English colony. In the War of Independence (1775-1783) it became independent. Now the United States of America is a federal union of 50 states plus one independent district – the District of Columbia.
The total area of the USA is about 9 million square kilometers. The population is about 230 million people.
The country is washed by 3 oceans: The Arctic, the Atlantic and the Pacific. The country has many lakes, including the Great Lakes and many rivers, the longest of which are the Mississippi, the Missouri, the Columbia and others. The highest mountains are the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachian, the Cordillera and the Sierra Nevada. The highest peak, Mount McKinley, is in Alaska.
The climate conditions are rather various. On the whole the USA has a continental climate. It is at the same time one of the hottest and one of the coldest countries; one of the wettest and one of the driest. The country is rich in natural and mineral resources: oil, gas, iron ore, coal and various metals.
The USA is a highly developed industrial and agricultural country. The main industrial branches are aircraft, rocket, automobile, electronics, radio engineering and others. Being well developed light industry includes textile, leather and footwear industries. The food industry is also well developed.
The capital of the USA is the city of Washington situated in the District of Columbia. The population of Washington, D.C., is about 605000 (2010) and together with and together with the suburbs (metropolitan area) its population is about 3 million. Washington is like no other city of the USA. You know that the flag of the USA, the “stars and stripes” has 50 stars on a blue background. Each of these stars represents one of the fifty states. But the city of Washington is not in any of those states. It belongs to all of them. Washington is the seat of government of the nation. The White House, where the US President lives and works, the Capitol, the home of the US Congress, the Supreme Court are all in Washington, D.C. New York is a center of finance, of shipping, of fun; New Orleans deals in cotton; Chicago will sell you wheat and cattle.
Задание 5. Проанализируйте текст по следующему алгоритму:
6. Определите предмет мысли (о чем речь).
7. Разделите текст на логические части, произведите сортировку материала, отделив второстепенное.
8. Дайте название каждой логической части.
9. Найдите ключевые слова и понятия.
10. Обозначьте смысловые опорные пункты для краткого пересказа.
| Название части | Ключевые слова и понятия |
Задание 6. Составьте словосочетания, использую слова из обеих колонок, переведите их.
| united | country |
| central | climate |
| Pacific | conditions |
| War | Lake |
| square | kilometers |
| Great | Ocean |
| climate | part |
| continental | Independence |
| agricultural | engineering |
| mineral | resources |
| radio | state |
Задания 7. Закончите предложения.
1. ……….. is the 4th largest country in the world after Russia, Canada and China.
2. ……. lies in the central part of the North American Continent.
3. The highest mountains are ………………………..
4. The biggest rivers are……………………………..
5. The climate of the USA is……………………
6. The population in the USA is …………………….
7. The USA is a highly developed ……………
8. It is known as one of the world’s largest producers of……
9. The capital of the USA is ……….. situated in the District of Columbia.
GOVERNMENT IN THE USA.
Задание 1. Прочитайте следующие слова, переведите их без словаря и объясните их значение.
problem
continental
group
republican
territory
function
nation
national
president
federal
constitution
individual
democratic
ocean
dispute
cabinet
vice-president
international
to form
congress
Задание 2. Найдите в словаре значение следующих слов. Выучите их.
a) judge, veto, budget, armed forces, military forces, treaties, taxes
b) remove, declare, raise, support, maintain, regulate, print, propose
c) to carry out, to make up
Задание 3. Прочитайте и переведите текст.
The System of Government
The United States is a federal union of 50 states plus one independent district – the District of Columbia. Forty nine states, including Alaska, form the continental United States. The 50th state is the state of Hawaii - a group of islands in mid-Pacific Ocean.
The District of Columbia is the territory of the city of Washington, the national capital. Washington, D.C., is the seat of the federal government of the United States. The federal government is made up of three branches – the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial branches.
The function of the Executive branch is to carry out the laws of the nation. It consists of the president, vice-president and the president’s cabinet. The president and vice-president are chosen in a national election for a four-year term of office and may be reelected for a second time. In the United State there are two major parties: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, and many small parties.
The Legislative branch, the Congress, is where the laws are made and adopted.
The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court, which settles any disputes involving the national government or disputes between two or more states in accordance with the Constitution. The Supreme Court makes sure that laws are constitutional. Nine Supreme Court judges are appointed for life. There are 12 courts of appeal and 91 district courts.
Individual states hold sovereignty over their territory and have rights that are not reserved by the federal government. Each state has its own legislature. The federal government deals with national and international problems that involve more than one state.
Задание 4. Составьте словосочетания, используя слова из обеих колонок, переведите их.
1)
| federal | branch |
| executive | problem |
| four-year | capital |
| judicial | term |
| legislative | union |
| two-year | election |
| national | government |
2)
| to choose | a law |
| to head | a president |
| to elect | the judicial branch |
| to carry out | the state |
| to reelect | |
| to adopt | |
| to make |
Задание 5. Заполните пропуски словами или словосочетаниями из текста, подходящими по смыслу.
There are 50 ______________ in the USA. Washington, D.C., is the national _________.
The federal government in the US consists of three ______. There are the ____, the____ and the______. The _______ branch is the Congress, which makes and adopts all _________. The Executive________ consists of the________, the_________ and the ______. Their task is to ________ the laws. The _________ branch consists of federal and other courts. It is headed by ______.
Задание 6. Вставьте подходящее по смыслу слово там, где это необходимо.
1. The District of Columbia is the …. of …. the city of Washington, the national …. (capital, territory).
2. Washington, D.C., is the ….. of the federal ….. of the United States. (government, seat)
3. The function of the …. branch is to carry out the …… of the nation. (executive, laws).
4. The ….. branch, the …. , is where the laws are made and adopted. (Congress, legislative).
5. The …. branch is headed by the …. , which settles any disputes involving the national government (Supreme Court, judicial)
Задание 7. Определите верно или неверно каждое высказывание. Объясните почему.
1) The judicial branch is headed by the Congress.
2) The United States is a federal union of 50 states plus one independent district – the District of Columbia.
3) The Legislative branch, the Supreme Court, is where the laws are made and adopted.
4) The Executive branch consists of the president, vice-president and the president’s cabinet.
5) The federal government deals with national and international problems and problems that involve more than one state.
6) In the United States there is one major party: the Democratic party.
7) The District of Columbia is territory of the city of Washington, the national capital.
8) Fifty nine states, including Alaska, form the continental United States.
9) The function of the Legislative branch is to carry out the laws of the nation.
10) The federal government is made up of three branches – the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial branches.
Задание 8. Какие функции относятся к каждой ветви власти?
| Legislative branch | Executive branch | Judicial branch |
| -to make and adopt the laws -… | -to carry out the laws of the nation -…. | -to declare laws unconstitutional -…. |
Here are the functions:
· to appoint judges
· to collect taxes
· to approve presidential appointment; to control the budget; to pass laws over the president’s veto
· to declare presidential acts unconstitutional
· to settle any disputes involving the national government or disputes between two or more states in accordance with the Constitution
· to collect taxes
· to impeach and remove judges from office
· to declare war and make peace
· to make sure that laws are constitutional
Задание 8. Заполните схему и продолжите предложения.
1. The United States is a federal union of … states plus one independent district - ….. .
2. There are three branches of power in the USA: the …., the…. and …. branch of power.
3. The Legislative branch of power consists of the ….. .
4. The Congress consists of the …. and the ….
5. The function of the Legislative branch of power is to ….
6. The Executive branch of power consists of the …. , ….. and vice-president.
7. The function of the Executive branch of power is to … .
8. The Judicial branch of power consists of the …. .
9. The function of the Judicial branch is to … .
ГЛАВА 3
THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Задание 1. Переведите слова и выражения.
to occupy, dry land, to vary, heavy forest, barren desert, deep valley, plain, chain.
Задание 2. Прочитайте и переведите текст.
Russia is one of the largest countries in the world. It occupies about one seventh part of dry land. The vast territory of Russia lies in the Eastern part of Europe and in the northern part of Asia. Its total area is over 17 million square kilometres.
Russia is washed by twelve seas and three oceans: the Atlantic, the Arctic, the Pacific. The northern and eastern coats of Russia are washed by the White Sea, the Barents Sea and the Okhotsk Sea.
The land of Russia varies a lot from heavy forests to barren deserts, from high peaked mountains to deep valleys. Russia is located on two plains: the Great Russian Plain and the Siberian Plain. The Urals is the longest mountain chain. It separates Europe from Asia.
There are various types of climate on the territory of Russia. In the south the temperature is usually above zero all year round. The climate of Siberia is continental: summers are hot and dry, winters are very cold.
Russia is a land of long rivers and deep lakes. The Volga River is the longest river in Europe (3690). It runs into the Caspian Sea, which is in realty, the largest lake in the world. The Baikal is the deepest lake in the world.
Russia is rich in natural resources. It has deposits of coal, oil, natural gas, iron ore, gold, nickel, etc.
Russia borders on fourteen countries, including the former Republics of the USSR, which are now independent states.
The population of Russia is about 150 million people.
Today Russia is one of the world’s largest grain producers and exporters. So, today Russia is a great industrial country. The main cities of Russia are: Moscow, the capital of the RF, St.Petersburg, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Ufa, Yekaterinburg and etc. Moscow is a Russian political center, here the government of our country is working. Moscow is called the port of five seas, as the Volga Canal links Moscow with the Baltic, White, Caspian, Black sea and the Sea of Azov. Moscow is also Russian cultural center.
Задание 3. Проанализируйте текст по следующему алгоритму:
11. Определите предмет мысли (о чем речь).
12. Разделите текст на логические части, произведите сортировку материала, отделив второстепенное.
13. Дайте название каждой логической части.
14. Найдите ключевые слова и понятия.
15. Обозначьте смысловые опорные пункты для краткого пересказа.
| Название части | Ключевые слова и понятия |
Задание 6. Ответьте на вопросы:
1. Where is Russia situated?
2. What is the area and the population of the RF?
3. What oceans and seas is Russia washed by?
4. What are the longest mountain chains?
5. What is the climate like in Russia?
6. What is the longest river and the deepest lake in Russia?
7. What natural recourses is Russia rich in?
8. What are the main cities In Russia?
THE STATE SYSTEM OF RUSSIA
Задание 1. Выпишите из словаря транскрипции и перевод следующих слов:
government (n)
commonwealth (n)
a bill (n)
organ (n)
chamber (n)
Assembly (n)
Council (n)
deputy (n)
consideration (n)
vice-chairman (n)
implementation (n)
pursuance (n)
property (n)
to balance (v)
to compose (v)
to ensure (v)
Задание 2. Найдите в тексте эквиваленты следующих выражений:
1. Содружество Независимых Государств
2. Президентская республика
3. Законодательная, исполнительная и судебная власть
4. Совет Федерации
5. Государственная Дума
6. Представлять на рассмотрение
7. Социальное обеспечение
8. Управлять государственной собственностью
9. Права и свободы граждан
10. Государственные символы
Задание 3. Прочитайте и переведите текст.
The System of Government
The Russia Federative Republic has been set up by the Constitution of 1993. The Russian Federation, or Russia, was one of the fifteen republics of the former Soviet Union, or the USSR. The Russian Federation is a member of what is called Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The Commonwealth consists of several states – former Union Republics of the USSR.
Under the Constitution Russia is a presidential republic. The federal government consists of three branches: legislative, executive and judicial. Each of them is checked and balanced by President. The President makes treaties, enforces law, appoints the Prime Minister to be approved by the State Duma.
The highest legislative and representative organ of the Russian Federation is the Federal Assembly (Parliament). It consists of two chambers: the Council of the Federation (Upper Chamber) and the State Duma (Lower Chamber).
The Council of the Federation is composed of representatives of each subject of the Russian Federation (two persons of every subject). The State Duma includes 450 deputies. They are elected for four years.
The main function of the chambers is to make federal laws. At first bills are introduced in the State Duma. If they are passed by the majority vote, the laws are submitted for consideration to the Council of the Federation within five days. Having been approved by this chamber the law, within five days, is sent to President of the Russian Federation for signing and publication.
The executive power is exercised by the Government of the Russian Federation. The Government consists of the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, vice-chairman and federal ministers.
The Government ensures the budget implementation and the pursuance of the single financial and monetary policy. It ensures pursuing the single national policy in the sphere culture, science, education, public health, social security and ecology. The Government manages the federal property. It ensures defense of the country, national security, realization of the foreign policy of the Russian Federation. It takes measures to guarantee legality and rights and freedoms of the citizens of the country.
The judicial branch is represented by different kinds of courts: the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and federal courts. The duties of the legal system are to defend the rights and freedoms of Russia’s citizens, to decide whether laws passed by the State Duma and the Acts of the executive power agree with the Constitution, to guarantee legal and just execution of laws.
The state symbols of Russia: a three colored banner with white, blue and red horizontal stripes; a national anthem and a national emblem (a two-headed eagle).
Задание 4. Составьте словосочетания, используя слова из обеих колонок, переведите их.
1)
| Federal | branch |
| executive | Duma |
| presidential | Assembly |
| State | organ |
| representative | republic |
| federal | policy |
| budget | law |
| Financial and monetary | implementation |
2)
| to guarantee | a law |
| to manage | defense of the country |
| to ensure | a federal property |
| to approve | budget implementation |
| to submit | rights and freedoms of citizens |
| to pass | |
| to make |
Задание 5. Составьте словосочетания с предлогом of, переведите их.
Commonwealth the foreign policy
the Council the single financial policy
the Government of the citizens
the pursuance the Federation
sphere Independent States
realization culture
rights and freedoms the Russian Federation
Задание 6. Заполните пропуски словами или словосочетаниями из текста, подходящими по смыслу.
The Russian Federation is a member of what is called _________________.
Under the Constitution Russia is ___________. The federal government consists of _________________. The highest ________ and representative organ of the Russian Federation is the Federal Assembly (Parliament). It consists of two chambers: _________ and_________.
The Council of the Federation is composed of ___________ of each subject of the Russian Federation (two persons of every subject). The State Duma includes 450 ________. The main function of the chambers is _______. The executive power is exercised by the ______________.
The Government ensures the ___________ and the pursuance of the single financial and monetary policy. The judicial branch is represented by different kinds of courts: the _____________,_________ and federal courts. The duties of the legal system are to ___________, to decide whether laws passed by the State Duma and the Acts of the executive power agree with the Constitution, _________ legal and just execution of laws.
Задание 7. Определите верно или неверно каждое высказывание. Объясните почему.
1. Under the Constitution Russia is a parliamentary republic.
2. Each branch of power is checked and balanced by President.
3. The highest legislative and representative organ of the Russian Federation is the State Duma.
4. The State Duma includes 450 deputies.
5. The main function of the judicial branch is to make federal laws.
6. The executive power is exercised by the Government of the Russian Federation.
7. The Supreme Court ensures the budget implementation and the pursuance of the single financial and monetary policy.
8. The Government manages the federal property.
9. The judicial branch of power consists of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and federal courts.
Задание 8. Какие функции относятся к каждой ветви власти?
| Legislative branch | Executive branch | Judicial branch |
| -to make federal laws -… | -to ensure the budget implementation -…. | -to defend the rights and freedoms of citizens -…. |
Here are the functions:
· to approve a law
· to approve the Prime Minister
· to form the Cabinet
· to pass a law
· to ensure the pursuance of the single financial and monetary policy
· to ensure pursuing the single national policy
· to manage the federal property
· to ensure defense of the country
· to decide whether laws agree with the Constitution
· to make sure that laws are constitutional
· to guarantee legal and just execution of laws
Задание 8. Заполните схему и опишите ее.
Приложения
Тексты для чтения
Глава 1 THE UK
Текст 1.
British Parliament
Parliament is the seat of British democracy and the supreme legislative branch of the state. Parliament has two parts: the House of Commons and the House of Lords and the Queen as its head. The house of Lords is the upper house of the British Parliament but less powerful part of it. The division of Parliament into two Houses goes back over some 700 years when a feudal assembly assisted the King. In modern times, real political power rests with the House of Commons, although members of the House of Lords may occupy important cabinet posts.
Members of the House of Commons are elected by the voters of 650 constituencies. They are known as MP’s (Members of Parliament). The Prime Minister, or leader of the Government, is also a MP, usually the leader of a political party with a majority in the House of Commons. The House of Commons plays a major role in lawmaking.
The House of Lords consists of the Lords temporal and the Lords spiritual. The Lords spiritual are the Archbishops of York and Canterbury together with twenty-four senior bishops of the Church of England. The Lords temporal consist of hereditary peers who have inherited their titles; life peers who are appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Government for various service to the nation; and the Lords of appeal (Law Lords) who became life peers on their judicial appointments. The Law Lords serve the House of Lords as the ultimate court of appeal. The work of the House of Lords includes examining and revising bills from the House of Commons and discussing important matters which the Commons cannot find time to debate.
Today Parliament’s functions are:
· to pass laws;
· to raise enough money through taxation to enable the government to function;
· to examine government policy and administration; particularly its financial programme;
· to debate or discuss important political issues.
Notes: the Lords temporal – светские члены палаты лордов
the Lords spiritual – епископы-члены палаты лордов
the Lords оf appeal (Law Lords) – лорды – судьи
Задание 1. Ответьте на вопросы.
1. What houses does Parliament have?
2. How are members of the Commons elected?
3. Who is the Head of this House?
4. Are members of the House of Lords elected?
5. Who does this House consist of?
6. Who is the head of the Lords?
7. What is the judicial function of this House?
Текст 2.
London
London is the largest city in Western Europe. More than 7 million people live there. It lies on both banks of the Thames. London is traditionally divided into several parts: the city of London, which is the financial center of the United Kingdom, the West End, which is the area of museums, art galleries, largest department stores, cinemas, and hotels. West End and is associated with wealth and luxury; and the East End, which is the industrial part of London and is very important for the commerce.
Most of London sights, such as the Tower, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, and others are famous all over the world.
The Tower of London was founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror. The Tower in the past was a fortress, a palace, and a prison. Though the kings were born, lived and were married there, it happened also that kings and queens were murdered in the Tower. It was said that whoever held the keys to the Tower, held the keys to the kingdom.
The Tower has several towers: the Jewel Tower, where the Royal precious jewels are kept, the White Tower, in which the Kings of England held their Court, and others. One of the towers is called the Bloody Tower, where the king Edward V and his brother were murdered. The Duke of York. Queen Anne Boleyn, the Princess (afterwards Queen) Elisabeth and many other people were in prison in the Tower.
Now the Tower is a museum and the Crown jewels and other treasures are kept there. The Guard, known as “beefeaters” still keep watch. The ceremony of the Keys that is centuries old takes place every night.
Now the only inhabitants of the Tower are ravens. There is a legend that the Tower will fall if it loses its ravens. Therefore the birds with clipped wings are carefully guarded.
House of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament are the most beautiful buildings not only in London, but in the whole Europe. The Houses of Parliament are also called the Palace of Westminster. The Queen enters the Palace of Westminster only on the day of the opening of Parliament at the beginning of the session. She wears a crown and many jewels when she makes her speech from the Throne in the House of Lords.
A fire destroyed the old Houses of Parliament. The new Houses of Parliament were built in 1857. The famous 320 foot (97,5meters) clock Tower is called “Big Ben” after Sir Benjamin Hall under whose direction the construction of the clock was conducted.
St.Paul’s Cathedral
It took the architect Christopher Wren 35 years to build the Cathedral. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in Europe. It has a huge dome with a golden ball on the top. The interior of the Cathedral is very beautiful too.
The British Museum
There are many museums and art galleries in London. The British Museum is famous for its rich library (about 7.000.000). It is also the Museum of History, Archeology, Art AND Ethnography. The British Museum contains the most important collections in Britain.
The Buckingham Palace
The Buckingham Palace is the place where the Queen of England lives.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is the geographical centre of London. It was named in the memory of Admiral Nelson’s victory in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The tall Nelson’s Column stands in the middle of the square. Opposite the Nelson monument is the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. They contain the finest art collections of the world.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is the place where the coronation of nearly all kings and queens has taken place since the time of the Conquest. Many of them are buried here as well as some other famous people of the country. Westminster Abbey is famous for its architecture and history. There are the graves of some of the world’s famous writers, poets and scientists: Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Tennyson, Thomas Hardy, Kipling and others are buried here. There in the Poet’s Corner there are memorials to Shakespeare and Milton, Burns, Byron, Scott, Thackeray and Longfellow. Here is also the grave of the Unknown Soldier who was killed in the First World War.
Parks in London
There are many parks in London: Hyde Park with its Speaker’s Corner, St James Park, and Kensington Park.
The East End is an industrial district of London. There are many factories there. The region is densely populated by working class families, those people who have built the palaces of the West End.
Словарь
sights –достопримечательности
fortress – крепость
to murder – убивать
whoever – кто бы ни
Royal – королевский
precious jewels – драгоценные камни
Court – двор
Bloody Tower – Кровавая башня
Duke of York – герцог Йоркский
prison – тюрьма
beefeater – бифитер, служитель охраны лондонского Тауэра
to keep watch – дежурить
inhabitants – обитатели
raven – ворон
clipped wings – подрезанные крылья
is called after – назван в честь
construction – строительство
to conduct – проводить
grave - могила
Conquest – завоевание Англии норманнами (1066)
densely populated – плотно населенный
Questions:
1. What is the capital of Great Britain?
2. What is London’s population?
3. On what river does London stand?
4. Into what parts is London divided?
5. Why is the City called the business centre of London?
6. Who was buried in Westminster Abbey?
7. What is the West End famous for?
8. Why is the central square in London named Trafalgar Square?
9. Who lives in the East End?
Глава 2.The USA
Текст 1.
The Congress
The Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government, is made of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Its residence is on Capitol Hill, in the center of Washington. The Congress is the supreme legislative organ. The Senate and the House of Representatives have equal constitutional rights.
There are 100 Senators in the Senate, two from each state. The Senators are elected for a term of six years, but one third of the Senate is elected every two years. So, two Senators from the same state never finish their terms at the same time. The Senators represent their home states, all the people in these states and their interests.
The House has 435 members. They are elected every two years for two- year terms. They represent the population of “congressional district” into which each state is divided. The number of Representatives from each state is based upon its population. For instance, California, the state with the largest population, has 45 Representatives, while Delaware has one. There is no limit to the number of terms a Senator or a Representative may serve.
Almost all elections in the United States follow the “winner-take-all” principle: the candidate who wins the largest number of votes in a congressional district is a winner.
The Congress meets in regular sessions, beginning with January 3, almost all the year round. The President may call a special session when he thinks it necessary.
Questions:
1. What houses does the Congress consist of?
2. How many Representatives are there in the Congress?
3. How many members does the Senate have?
4. How many Senators and Representatives can each state have?
5. How long do Senators serve?
6. Which terms do Representatives serve?
7. What principle do most elections in the USA follow?
Текст 2.
Washington
The Capital of the United States of America is Washington. It was named after the first President of the United States – George Washington. It is situated on the Potomac River in the District of Columbia. The District is a piece of land, which does not belong to any one state but to all the states. The district is named in honour of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of America.
Washington was founded in 1791 as the capital. It’s quite q new city. The population of the city is nearly one million people. Washington is not a very large city, but it is very important as the capital of the USA.
Washington has many historical places. The largest and tallest is the Capitol, where the Congress meets. It is a very beautiful building with white marble columns. There is a law in Washington against building structures higher than the Capitol. Not far from the Capitol there is the Library of Congress. It holds five million books.
The White House, the residence of the president is the oldest public structure in the capital and one of the most beautiful. It was built in 1799. It is a two storey white building. Not far from the Capitol is the Washington monument, which looks like a very big pencil. It is 160 metres high and it is empty inside. A special lift brings visitors to the top in 70 seconds, from where they can enjoy the view of the city.
The Jefferson Memorial was built in memory of the third President of the USA Thomas Jefferson, who was also the author of the Declaration of Independence. The Memorial is surrounded by cherry trees.
The Lincoln Memorial is devoted to the memory of the sixteenth President of the USA, the author of the Emancipation Proclamation, which gave freedom to Negro slaves in America.
Questions:
1. When was Washington D.C. founded?
2. Where is Washington situated?
3. What state does District of Columbia belong to?
4. What are the most important places of interest in Washington?
5. What is the nickname of the Washington memorial?
6. What is the design of Lincoln memorial?
7. What is the population of Washington?
Текст 3.
New York
New York is one of the largest cities in the world. It was founded three hundred years ago in the mouth of the Hudson River.
The centre of New York is Manhattan Island. In 1626 it was bought from the Indians for twenty-four dollars. Today Manhattan is the centre of business and commercial life of the country. There are many skyscrapers, banks and offices of American businessmen in Manhattan. Broadway begins here; the Stock Exchange is located here. Not many people live in Manhattan, although the majority work here. Numerous bridges link Manhattan Island with the other parts of New York.
People from almost all parts of the world live New York. It is even called “Modern Babylon”. A lot of immigrants came to the USA from different countries at the beginning of the 20-th century. They entered the USA through New York – the Gateway of America.
New York is one of the leading manufacturing cities in the world. The most important branches of industry are those producing paper products, vehicles, glass, chemicals, and machinery. The city traffic is very busy.
Questions:
1. When was New York founded?
2. What was the price of the Manhattan Island in 1626?
3. What is Manhattan like today?
4. Do many people live in Manhattan?
5. What is Broadway famous for?
6. Why is NewYork called “Modern Babylon”?
7. What are the most important branches of industry in New York?
Глава 3. The Russian Federation
Текст 1.
Federal Assembly
The Federal Assembly – the Parliament of the Russian Federation is
the representative and legislative body of the Russian Federation. The
Federal Assembly consists of two houses: a Federation Council and a State
Duma. The Federation Council is composed of two representatives from each
member of the Russian Federation – one from its representative and one from
its executive body of state authority. The State Duma consists of 450
deputies. The Federal Assembly is a permanently working body. The
Federation Council and the State Duma have their sessions separately. Their
sessions are public, but in the cases stipulated by their code of procedure,
they may hold their sessions in camera. Each of the houses forms committees
and commissions and holds hearings on the appropriate issues. To supervise
the execution of the federal budget the Federation Council and the State
Duma form an Accounting Chamber. Its composition and procedure of work
is determined by federal legislation.
The Federation Council has power:
- to approve changes of borders between members of the Russian
Federation;
- to approve the decree of the President of the Russian Federation on
the introduction of martial law;
to approve the decree of the President on the introduction of the state
of emergency;
- to decide the possibility of using the Armed Forces of the Russian
Federation beyond its territory;
- to call the elections of the President of the Russian Federation;
- to remove the President of Russia from office by impeachment;
- to appoint the judges of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court
and the Supreme Court of Arbitration of the Russian Federation;
- to appoint and remove from office the Prosecutor-General of the
Russian Federation;
- to appoint the Deputy Chairman of the Accounting Chamber and
half of its auditors and to remove them from office.
The State Duma has power:
- to approve the nominee of the President of the Russian Federation to
the office of the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation;
to appoint the Chairman of the Central Bank of the Russian
Federation and to remove him from office;
- to appoint the Chairman of the Accounting Chamber and half of its
auditors and to remove them from office;
- to appoint an Office for Human Rights, who acts in accordance with
a federal constitutional law, and to remove him from office;
- to declare amnesty;
- to bring charges against the President of the Russian Federation for
the purpose of removing him from office by impeachment.
The Government (executive power) of the Russian Federation is
composed of the Chairman of the Government (the Prime Minister), Deputy
Chairmen of the Government and the federal ministers. The Chairman of the
Government is appointed by the President of the Russian Federation with the
consent of the State Duma. The State Duma considers the candidate for the
office of Chairman of the Government proposed by the President of the Russian
Federation within a week of the submission of the nomination of the candidate.
After the State Duma rejects three candidates to the office of Chairman of the
Government, the President of the Russian Federation appoints the Chairman of
the Government of the Russian Federation, dissolves the State Duma, and calls
new elections. The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation
proposes to the President his candidates to the offices of Deputy Chairmen of the
Government of the Russian Federation and federal ministers.
The Government of the Russian Federation has power:
- to prepare and submit to the State Duma the federal budget and
ensure its execution; submit to the State Duma a report on the
implementation of the federal budget;
- to ensure the pursuit in the Russian Federation of a uniform
financial, credit, and monetary policy;
- to ensure the pursuit in the Russian Federation of a uniform state
policy in the fields of culture, science, education, health protection, social
security, and ecology;
- to manage federal property;
- to carry out measures aimed to ensure the defense and state security
of the country and the pursuit of the foreign policy of the Russian Federation;
- to carry out measures aimed to ensure legality, protect human rights,
personal freedoms and property, maintain public order, and combat crime.
Текст 2.
Moscow
Founded in 1147 by Yury Dolgoruky, Moscow has become the largest political, administrative, economic and cultural centre in the country. Moscow is one of the world’s scientific and arts centres. It is the seat of the Academy of Sciences of Russia, the home of many colleges, thousands of schools, lots of research institutes. There are over 100 museums and exhibition halls, dozens of theatres, hundreds of cinemas and libraries. Moscow is rich in historical and architectural monuments.
The heart of Moscow is the Kremlin. The cathedrals, palaces, towers and buildings of the Kremlin are remarkable museums containing unique exhibits associated with Russian history. The Czar Bell and the Czar Cannon are the sights that attract many tourists as well.
There are many towers in the Kremlin. The Spassky Tower is the tallest tower and it has become one of the symbols of Moscow.
Red Square is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. In the 17th century the square was called “red” which means “beautiful” in old Slavic. The square has witnessed many historic events. Here ceremonies, national celebrations and executions took place. In the centre of it can see the Mausoleum near the Kremlin wall. On the south side of the square is St Basil’s Cathedral was built under Ivan IV (the Terrible) to celebrate the annexation of Kazan and Astrakhan. The Russian masters Posnik and Barma built this architectural masterpiece.
The monument to Minin and Pozharsky is situated in front of the Cathedral. The monument was sculptured by Ivan Martos in classical style. It is devoted to the victory of 1612 war against the Polish invaders.
On the east side of the square is the largest department store of the capital. On the north side of the square is the Historical Museum. Its collection covers the Russian history from ancient times to the end of the 19th century.
Not far in the Alexandrovsky Garden is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier made of marble. It is a holy place in Moscow. A perpertual flame burns on the tombstone which has the following inscription: “ Your name is unknown but your heroic deed is immortal”
Teatralnaya Square is the centre of Russian theatrical culture, with the famous Bolshoy Theatre, the Maly Theatre, which is the oldest and largest drama theatre in the country, and with the Children’s Theatre built in 1921.
In the square we can see the monument to A.N.Ostrovsky in front of the Maly Theatre, and the monument to Karl Marx in the centre of the square opposite to the Bolshoy Theatre.
Moscow is famous for its monuments. You can find here monuments to outstanding writers, poets, scientists, revolutionaries. Perhaps, the most beautiful is the monument to Pushkin, the great Russian poet. It is situated in the centre of Pushkinskaya Square opposite to “Rossia” cinema. There are always many people around, some of them bring flowers to the monument.
The most popular museums in Moscow are probably the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery. The Pushkin Museum is situated in Volkhonka street. It has a fine collection of European painting and sculptures. The Pushkin Museum periodically holds exhibitions of the art of various countries. The Tretyakov Gallery is famous for its unique collection of Russian art. Its founder, Pavel Tretyakov, began collecting the finest works of Russian artists in 1856. Thirty –six years later he presented the whole collection to the city of Moscow.
In the South- West of Moscow we can see a 32 – storey building of Moscow. University with the monument to M.Lomonosov in front of it. The University was named after the great Russian scientist. The University was constructed in 1949-53. Later in the 70-ties several new buildings were added.
If you turn your back on the University, you will have a remarkable view of the capital. Across the Moskva-river the central stadium in Luzhniki is situated, one of the biggest sport centres in Europe. There are many sport facilities in Moscow, among them are the Olympic complex, various stadiums, a number of swimming pools.
Questions:
1. When was Moscow founded?
2. Who was it founded by?
3. Why do we call Moscow a political centre? (a cultural centre, a scientific centre)
4. What is the heart of Moscow?
5. What can we see in the Kremlin?
6. Do you think Red Square is the most beautiful square in the country?
7. Can you explain what the name “Red” means?
8. What is situated on Red Square?
9. What is the monument to Minin and Pozharsky devoted to?
10. Where is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier situated?
11. What is Teatralnaya Square famous for?
12. Is Moscow rich in monuments? What monuments in Moscow do you know?
13. What are the most popular museums in Moscow?
14. Where is Moscow University situated?
15. What sport facilities are there in Moscow?
Литература
1. Прохорова О.Л. Сборник иноязычных профессионально-ориентированных заданий для студентов неязыковых вузов (при изучении темы “Government in Great Britain and in the USA”) материалы для организации самостоятельной работы студентов неязыковых вузов – Челябинск: Изд-во ЧГПУ, 2007. -48 c.
2. Федорова Л.М., Немчина Н.Н., Никитаев С.Н. Английский язык для юристов – М.: Изд-во «Экзамен», 2003. – 128 с.
3. Куценко Л.И., Тимофеева Г.И. Английский язык. Учебное пособие для юридических учебных заведений. Центр юридической литературы – М.: «Щит – М», 2001 – 288с.
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