UNIT 6. STATE
6.1 Political Systems and Government
6.1.2 C
The USA – the United States of America – is a federation of 50 states. 48 of these states are in the same general area, between Canada in the north and Mexico in the south. The other two states are geographically separate: Alaska is in the extreme northwest of the American continent, and Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The federal capital is Washington, DC, south of New York near the east coast.
Washington is the centre of federal government, but each state has its own capital and its own government. State governments have a large amount of power and independence; they make their own laws, and they are also responsible for education, for the state police force, for the prison system; for road building and many other things.
Federal laws are made by Congress, which is the equivalent of the British Parliament. There are two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each state sends representatives and senators to Congress. Elections to the House of Representatives are held every 2 years, while Senators are elected for a 6-year period.
The President is elected separately, together with the Vice-President. They serve for a term of 4 years. The President chooses the people who will form the cabinet. These do not have to be elected members of Congress – they can be brought in from outside Congress – but the Senate must approve their appointment. Power is shared between the President and Congress and if the President belongs to the minority party in Congress, it can cause problems.
There are two main political parties in the United States: the Democrats and the Republicans. The Democrats are slightly more to the left than the Republicans, but the differences between their politics are not usually very great.
The United States does not have a separate ceremonial Head of State.
6.2 The Voice of Democracy
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6.2.1 |
B | Democratic Fantasian Radio – the voice of freedom. 10 a.m. |
Here is the news, read by Aldo Fisk.
According to the organizers, at least 200,000 people took part in yesterday’s demonstration against the government’s economic policies. After marching through the city centre, demonstrators gathered in Wesk Square to hear speeches by opposition leaders. The demonstration remained calm, in spite of aggressive behaviour by police. Two people are reported to have been hurt in fighting which broke out briefly after the demonstration.
Economics experts say that average earnings have gone down by 12% since this time last year. Critics of the government say that its economic policies have led to inefficient management and lower productivity. Industrial output has fallen by 27% over the year, and exports are down by nearly 40%. Inflation has risen to 37%, and the Fantasian grotnik now stands at 374 to the US dollar.
Widespread floods in Southern Fantasia have made at least 80,000 people homeless. Help by the army came too late to prevent serious damage to buildings and farm land. Damage is estimated at 3 billion grotniks.
News has just come in that Dr Amelia Musk has died of a heart attack at her home in Chingport. Dr Musk, who was well known for her political writings, had been ill for some time. She was 62.
And now the weather. It will be cold and wet, with strong winds. There may be some snow on high ground. The weekend will be very cold, with maximum temperatures approximately 5 degrees Celsius.
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6.2.4
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B
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Listen to the sentences. Then say the sentences again, using the multi-word verb prompts. The first one has been done for you. | ||
1. The government has introduced new drinking laws. (bring in)
2. The government hasn’t kept its election promises. (go back on)
3. The whole matter will soon be forgotten. (blow over)
4. The government tried to hide the truth. (cover up)
5. She proposed solution to the problem. (put forward)
6. The police are being stricter with drivers who break the speed limit. (crack down on)
7. Following allegations of corruption, the chairman decided to resign. (stand down)
8. This candidate hasn’t got the right qualities for the job. (be up to)
9. The Prime Minister said we must all accept our responsibilities. (face up to)
10. He persuaded many people to support him. (win over)
6.3 A Fair Society
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6.3.6
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B
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Listen to the sentences. Then say the sentences again using the multi-word verb prompts. The first one has been done for you. | ||
1. The opposition has increased its attacks on the government. (step up)
2. The aim of the rebels is to defeat the government. (bring down)
3. The Opposition Party is demanding a general election. (call for)
4. We must defend our democratic rights! (stand up for)
5. What does your political party represent? (stand for)
6. We must express our views forcefully against the war. (speak out)
7. We will not abandon our policy. (stick to)
8. The government is reducing the importance of the latest unemployment figures. (play down)
9. The government has admitted it was wrong. (back down, or climb down)