BRITISH INSTITUTIONS

Exercise 1

Complete the following table:

CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

Main characteristics: ..

Based on:.

Main principles:..

Exercise 2

Match the following terms with their correct definition.

1 rule of law a There is no legal opposition to Parliament

2 separation of powers b Everyone is equal before the law.

3 supremacy of Parliament c Laws are made, put into effect, and interpreted by
different bodies.

Exercise 3

Which of the Queens functions are formal? Which are real? Which sentence in the passage
summarizes the difference between her formal and real powers?

Exercise 4

List and discuss the advantages of monarchies and republics.

MONARCHIES REPUBLICS
Advantages Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages
 Exercise 5

Match the following terms with their definitions.

1 constituency a special election held to fill an unexpected vacancy

2 by-election b electoral district

3 back-bencher c MP who does not hold office in government or opposition

Exercise 6

Complete this diagram.

THE SOVEREIGN

HOUSE OF COMMONS HOUSE OF LORDS

elected members .Archbishops Hereditary Peers

Presided over by: .. .Bishops . Peers

Main function:. Presided over by:

Main function:..

Exercise 7

Read the article The House of Lords is back at work next week: some say it should never work
again and complete the table that follows.

ARGUMMENTS IN FAVOUR ARGUMENTS AGAINST

1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.

Exercise 8

Answer the following questions to obtain a summary of the passage (THE EXECUTIVE):
1 How is the Prime Minister chosen in Britain?

2 What is the cabinet?

3 - What must the Cabinet Minister do if he/ she disagrees with a Government decision?

4 What is the job of a Shadow Cabinet?

Exercise 9

1 Is there any difference between the way the Prime Minister is chosen in Britain and in your
country?

2 Is the role of the Opposition different in any way?

Exercise 10

1 Parliament was stronger before 1688 than now because

2 Prerogative powers mean that Parliament cannot stop the Government..

3 The Government can use the Privy Councillors oath to ..

Exercise 11

Make a list of the proposed reforms.

1 - .

2 parliamentary scrutiny of the secrets services

3 -

4 -

Exercise 12

1 Who can vote in elections in Britain?

2 How many candidates does a person vote for in general election?

3 What must a candidate do to be elected?

4 Who may stand as a candidate?

5 What does it mean when you lose your deposit in an election?

6 How often are General Elections held?

7 Why can elections in Britain be said to have become personalized?

Exercise 13

Complete this table about Political Parties. Find any information which is not contained in the
passage.

NAME CONSERVATIVE LABOUR PARTY LIBERAL GREEN PARTY

PARTY DEMOCRATIC
PARTY
Also known as
Current Leader
Main Support

Exercise 14

THE LEGAL SYSTEM IN ENGLAND AND WALES

CRIMINAL LAW ..
Use these and any other words needed:

Lay magistrates judge of JUSTICE judge and jury MAGISTRATES COURT- COURT OF APPEAL
(CRIMINAL DIVISION) COURT OF APPEAL (CIVIL DIVISION)

REMEMBER THAT YOU HAVE EXTRA UPDATED MATERIAL TAKEN

FROM BRITAIN FOR LEARNERS OF ENGLISH BY JAMES ODRISCOLL ,
2ND EDITION OUP, THAT YOU CAN USE TO COMPLETE THESE
ACTIVITIES.