Answers to the exp lanations London London is the largest city located in the south of the country. Its dominant in Britain in all sorts of ways. It's the cultural and business center and the headquarters of the vast majority of Britain's big companies It's not only the financial center of the nation, but also one of the three major international financial centers in the world 2. The british isles The British Isles lie northwest of Europe in the Atlantic Ocean They are made up of two main islands- Britain and Ireland---and several small islands 3. Robin hood Robin Hood was Saxon noble man. As he could no longer put up with the oppressions from the Normans, he became an outlaw and hid himself with his band of" merry men"in the forest. From this secret place, he went out to rob from the rich to give the poor 4. the Anglo-Saxons They were two groups of germanic peoples who settled down in England from the 5 th century. They were regarded as the ancestors of the english and the founders of England 5. the Vikings
Answers to the Explanations: 1. London London is the largest city located in the south of the country. It’s dominant in Britain in all sorts of ways. It’s the cultural and business center and the headquarters of the vast majority of Britain’s big companies. It’s not only the financial center of the nation, but also one of the three major international financial centers in the world. 2. The British Isles The British Isles lie northwest of Europe in the Atlantic Ocean. They are made up of two main islands―Britain and Ireland---and several small islands. 3. Robin Hood Robin Hood was Saxon noble man. As he could no longer put up with the oppressions from the Normans, he became an outlaw and hid himself with his band of “merry men” in the forest. From this secret place, he went out to rob from the rich to give the poor. 4. the Anglo-Saxons They were two groups of Germanic peoples who settled down in England from the 5th century. They were regarded as the ancestors of the English and the founders of England. 5. theVikings
They were groups of seamen from Scandinavia who attacked coastal villages in most parts of north-western Europe from the 8th to the ll th centuries 6. King arthur He was the King of England in the fifth century and united the British and drove the saxons back with his magical sword Excalibur. His real existence is in doubt. He is the central figure of many legends 7. King harold He was the saxon King who was defeated and killed in the batt of Hasting in 1066, when William the Conqueror invaded England from france 8. The Easter rising Different Irish groups had been fighting against the British institutions and the british military forces. One such activity was the easter rising which took place in 1916. the rebels occupied Dublins post Office and forced the british to take it back by military force. The leaders of the rebellion were executed by the British authorities 9. Loyalists or Unionists Nearly 60 percent of the population in Northern Ireland are either Loyalists or Unionists. These people are protestants and dominate
They were groups of seamen from Scandinavia who attacked coastal villages in most parts of north-western Europe from the 8th to the 11th centuries. 6. King Arthur He was the King of England in the fifth century and united the British and drove the Saxons back with his magical sword, Excalibur. His real existence is in doubt. He is the central figure of many legends. 7. King Harold He was the Saxon King who was defeated and killed in the battle of Hasting in 1066, when William the Conqueror invaded England from France. 8. The Easter Rising Different Irish groups had been fighting against the British institutions and the British military forces. One such activity was the Easter Rising which took place in 1916. the rebels occupied Dublin’s Post Office and forced the British to take it back by military force. The leaders of the rebellion were executed by the British authorities. 9. Loyalists or Unionists Nearly 60 percent of the population in Northern Ireland are either Loyalists or Unionists. These people are Protestants and dominate
the local parliament. They show their loyalty to the british Crown and prefer union with great britain 10. The provisionalira In 1919, a group calling itself the IRa (Irish Republican Army) expanded fighting for Irish freedom and independence. The Provisional ira is the radical faction of the IRA. They prefer the Ise of force and believe that armed force is the only way to get the British out and to have an unified ireland 1. The official ira The Official IRA is the political wing of the IRA. They offer their own social and economic policy. They hold that they have already made enough progress so that they can concentrate themselves on a political process and run candidates for election 12. Sinn Fein Sinn Fein is a legal political Party in Northern Ireland which supports the ira to fight for the union of Ireland. The leaders of Sinn Fein prefer union with Ireland by a twin campaign, both political and military which they call the policy of" the bullet and the ballot Box. It believes that without the participation of Sinn Fein the political problem of Northern Ireland can not be thoroughly solved 13. Home rule
the local parliament. They show their loyalty to the British Crown and prefer union with Great Britain. 10. The Provisional IRA In 1919, a group calling itself the IRA (Irish Republican Army) expanded fighting for Irish freedom and independence. The Provisional IRA is the radical faction of the IRA. They prefer the use of force and believe that armed force is the only way to get the British out and to have an unified Ireland. 11. The Official IRA The Official IRA is the political wing of the IRA. They offer their own social and economic policy. They hold that they have already made enough progress so that they can concentrate themselves on a political process and run candidates for election. 12. Sinn Fein Sinn Fein is a legal political Party in Northern Ireland which supports the IRA to fight for the union of Ireland. The leaders of Sinn Fein prefer union with Ireland by a twin campaign, both political and military which they call the policy of “the Bullet and the Ballot Box”. It believes that without the participation of Sinn Fein the political problem of Northern Ireland can not be thoroughly solved. 13. Home Rule
Ireland had long been dominated by britain, but Irish desires for an independent Irish state were never lost. "Home rule refers to a campaign for Irish control of Irish affairs. The Home rule bill was finally passed in 1914, but the process was overtaken by the first World war and was suspended fro the duration ofthe war 14. A Civil Rights movement A Civil rights movement in northern Ireland started in the 1960 by Catholics who often marched in the streets and fought for equality.As the Protestants were the majority, they controlled the local parliament and used that power to support their own economic and social dominance in northern ireland cat holics found it difficult to get jobs or to benefit from social programmes such as public housing. Therefore, they began the Civil Rights Movement so as to get their right 15. the divine right of kings This ancient doctrine held that the sovereign derived his authority from God, not from his subjects. This was used by the kings as an excuse for abusing power. And the dispute over the power of the king and the parliament led to the civil war 16. the civil war Caused by a dispute over the power of the king against Parliament the civil war broke out in the 17th century. The Republican
Ireland had long been dominated by Britain, but Irish desires for an independent Irish state were never lost. “Home Rule” refers to a campaign for Irish control of Irish affairs. The Home Rule Bill was finally passed in 1914, but the process was overtaken by the First World War and was suspended fro the duration of the war. 14. A Civil Rights Movement A Civil Rights Movement in Northern Ireland started in the 1960s by Catholics who often marched in the streets and fought for equality. As the Protestants were the majority, they controlled the local parliament and used that power to support their own economic and social dominance in Northern Ireland. Catholics found it difficult to get jobs or to benefit from social programmes such as public housing. Therefore, they began the Civil Rights Movement so as to get their right. 15. the divine right of kings This ancient doctrine held that the sovereign derived his authority from God, not from his subjects. This was used by the kings as an excuse for abusing power. And the dispute over the power of the king and the parliament led to the civil war. 16. the civil war Caused by a dispute over the power of the king against Parliament, the civil war broke out in the 17th century. The Republican
roundheads", led by Oliver Cromwell, wanted to abolish the monarchy and to reassert the rights of parliament In 1642, the royalists were defeated and King charles i was executed in 1649 17.the“ roundheads These refer to the group of people representing the interests of Parliament during the civil war. They were so called because they defied popular fashion and cut their hair very short. Led by Oliver Cromwell, they defeated the royalists in 1642, and executed the king in 1649. 18. Magna Carta This is a medieval Latin name meaning Great Charter". In 1215, King John was forced by a group of feudal barons and the church to grant then a charter of liberty and political rights. Magna Carta placed some limits on the king's ability to abuse his royal power This is regarded as Britains key expression of the rights of citizens against the Crown. 19. the great Council In medieval times, this referred to a group of leading, wealthy barons who were summoned by the king several times a year to give the king some extra money. By the 13 th century representatives of counties towns and cities were also included in order to raise more money. This was the beginning of what we
“roundheads”, led by Oliver Cromwell, wanted to abolish the monarchy and to reassert the rights of Parliament. In 1642, the royalists were defeated and King Charles I was executed in 1649. 17. the “roundheads” These refer to the group of people representing the interests of Parliament during the civil war. They were so called because they defied popular fashion and cut their hair very short. Led by Oliver Cromwell, they defeated the royalists in 1642, and executed the king in 1649. 18. Magna Carta This is a medieval Latin name meaning “Great Charter”. In 1215, King John was forced by a group of feudal barons and the Church to grant then a charter of liberty and political rights. Magna Carta placed some limits on the king’s ability to abuse his royal power. This is regarded as Britain’s key expression of the rights of citizens against the Crown. 19. the Great Council In medieval times, this referred to a group of leading, wealthy barons who were summoned by the king several times a year to give the king some extra money. By the 13th century, representatives of counties, towns and cities were also included in order to raise more money. This was the beginning of what we
know as parliament today 20. Charles i He was the King ruled from 1625 to 1649. he insisted on the div ine right of kings and therefore roused the protest from the Parliament. In the civil war which broke out later in 1642. he and his royalists were defeated by the "roundheads'"led by Oliver Cromwell. He was tried as a traitor to his country and executed 21. the bill of Rights of 1689 In 1688, King James IIs daughter Mary and her husband william were invited by the politicians and church authorities to take the throne, on condition that they would respect the rights of Parliament. After this Glorious revolution, the bill of rights was passed in 1689 to ensure that the King would never be able to ignore Parliament 22. the Constitution Britain has no written constitution The foundations of the british state are laid out in statute law, which are laws passed by Parliament; the common laws, which are laws established through common practice in the courts, and conventions 23. the functions of parliament The functions of Parliament are: to pass laws, to vote for taxation to scrutinize government policy administration and expenditure
know as Parliament today. 20. Charles I He was the King ruled from 1625 to 1649. He insisted on the divine right of kings and therefore roused the protest from the Parliament. In the civil war which broke out later in 1642, he and his royalists were defeated by the “roundheads” led by Oliver Cromwell. He was tried as a traitor to his country and executed. 21. the Bill of Rights of 1689 In 1688, King James II’s daughter Mary and her husband William were invited by the politicians and church authorities to take the throne, on condition that they would respect the rights of Parliament. After this Glorious Revolution, the Bill of Rights was passed in 1689 to ensure that the King would never be able to ignore Parliament. 22. the Constitution Britain has no written Constitution. The foundations of the British state are laid out in statute law, which are laws passed by Parliament; the common laws, which are laws established through common practice in the courts; and conventions. 23. the functions of Parliament The functions of Parliament are: to pass laws, to vote for taxation, to scrutinize government policy, administration and expenditure
and to debate the major issues of the day 24. the roles of monarch The primary role of the monarch today is to symbolize the tradition and unity of the british state. Other roles are: being legally head of the executive, an integral part of the legislature head of the judiciary, commander in chief of the armed forces and"supreme governorof the Church of England. The Queen also acts as a confidante to the Prime Minister, offering valuable observations on the running of government 25. the house of lords The House of lords consists of the lords spiritual, who are the Archbishops and most prominent bishops of the Church of England and the lords Temporal, which refers to those lords who either have inherited the seat from their forefathers or they have been appointed. The lords mainly represent themselves instead of the interests ofthe public 26. the house of commons The House of Commons is the real center of British political life because it is the place where about 650 elected representatives (Members of Parliament)make and debate policy. These MPs are elected in the General Elections and should represent the interests of the people who vote for them
and to debate the major issues of the day. 24. the roles of monarchy The primary role of the monarch today is to symbolize the tradition and unity of the British state. Other roles are: being legally head of the executive, an integral part of the legislature, head of the judiciary, commander in chief of the armed forces and “supreme governor” of the Church of England. The Queen also acts as a confidante to the Prime Minister, offering valuable observations on the running of government. 25. the House of Lords The House of Lords consists of the Lords Spiritual, who are the Archbishops and most prominent bishops of the Church of England; and the Lords Temporal, which refers to those lords who either have inherited the seat from their forefathers or they have been appointed. The lords mainly represent themselves instead of the interests of the public. 26. the House of Commons The House of Commons is the real center of British political life because it is the place where about 650 elected representatives (Members of Parliament) make and debate policy. These MPs are elected in the General Elections and should represent the interests of the people who vote for them
27. the importance of general elections General elections are very important in the western democracy According to the author, they provide opportunities for people to influence future government policies and to rep lace those incompetent political leaders 28. the formation ofthe government 651 members of parliament are elected in the general election representing 651 constituencies in the UK. The party which holds a majority of those"seats in parliament forms the government, with its party leader as the Prime minister 29. vote of no confidence This refers to a statement put forward by an MP--- usually a member of an opposition party--- for the House of Commons to vote on say ing that"This house no longer has confidence in the Government. If the government loses a"vote of no confidence" in the House of Commons, that is, if a majority of MPs agree, then it has effectively lost its ability to govern and is forced to resign and call a general election. An example of this happened in 1979 with the labour government 30. theelectoral campaigns Before a general election, the political parties would start their electoral campaigns in order to make their ideologies and policies
27. the importance of general elections General elections are very important in the western democracy. According to the author, they provide opportunities for people to influence future government policies and to replace those incompetent political leaders. 28. the formation of the government 651 members of parliament are elected in the general election representing 651 constituencies in the UK. The party which holds a majority of those “seats” in parliament forms the government, with its party leader as the Prime Minister. 29. vote of no confidence This refers to a statement put forward by an MP--- usually a member of an opposition party--- for the House of Commons to vote on saying that “This house no longer has confidence in the Government”. If the government loses a “vote of no confidence” in the House of Commons, that is, if a majority of MPs agree, then it has effectively lost its ability to govern and is forced to resign and call a general election. An example of this happened in 1979 with the Labour government. 30. the electoral campaigns Before a general election, the political parties would start their electoral campaigns in order to make their ideologies and policies
known to the public. The campaign involves advertisements in newspapers, door-to-door campaigning, postal deliveries of leaflets and party electoral broadcasts" on the television. The parties also try to attack and criticize the opponents policies. Therefore, these campaigns sometimes can be quite aggressive and critical 31. the Conservative party The Conservative party is one of the two biggest parties in the UK It is basically the party of the individual, protecting the individuals right to acquire wealth and to spend it as he/she wants. It advocates economic policies which are favourable to businessmen such as low taxes. From 1979 to 1997, the Conservative party won 4 consecutive elections and was in power for quite a long period of time 32. the labour party The Labor Party is one of the two biggest parties in the UK. It is also the newest party, created by the trade union movement at the end of the 19th century. It is a socialist party, believing that a society should be relatively equal in economic terms, and that the government should redistribute the wealth between the rich and the poor. It also thinks that the government should provide a range of public services for all the people 33. the Liberal democrats
known to the public. The campaign involves advertisements in newspapers, door-to-door campaigning, postal deliveries of leaflets and “party electoral broadcasts” on the television. The parties also try to attack and criticize the opponents’ policies. Therefore, these campaigns sometimes can be quite aggressive and critical. 31. the Conservative party The Conservative party is one of the two biggest parties in the UK. It is basically the party of the individual, protecting the individual’s right to acquire wealth and to spend it as he/she wants. It advocates economic policies which are favourable to businessmen, such as low taxes. From 1979 to 1997, the Conservative party won 4 consecutive elections and was in power for quite a long period of time. 32. the Labour party The Labor Party is one of the two biggest parties in the UK. It is also the newest party, created by the trade union movement at the end of the 19th century. It is a socialist party, believing that a society should be relatively equal in economic terms, and that the government should redistribute the wealth between the rich and the poor. It also thinks that the government should provide a range of public services for all the people. 33. the Liberal Democrats
The liberal democrats are the third biggest party and often seen as a party of the middle, occupy ing the ideological ground between the two major parties. They are comparatively flexible and pragmatic in their balance of the individual and the social. They emphasize the need to change the Britains constitutional arrangements to make the government more democratic and accountable 34. Margaret Thatcher She came into power as Britains first woman Prime Minister in 1979 when her Conservative party won the general election. She advocated the idea of small government and free-market economics. During her term as the Prime Minister, she carried out policies to privatize the nationalized industry and to cut tax rates As a result, many bus inesses boomed but unemployment rate increased She was later rep laced by john major in 1990 35. John major He is the leader of the Conservative party and is the ex-Prime Minister of the uK. In 1990. he was elected the leader of the Conservative party, rep lacing Mrs Thatcher. After he came into power, he has continued to carry out Thatcher s policies but in a milder way 36. relative decline of the UK economy
The Liberal Democrats are the third biggest party and often seen as a party of the “middle”, occupying the ideological ground between the two major parties. They are comparatively flexible and pragmatic in their balance of the individual and the social. They emphasize the need to change the Britain’s constitutional arrangements to make the government more democratic and accountable. 34. Margaret Thatcher She came into power as Britain’s first woman Prime Minister in 1979 when her Conservative party won the general election. She advocated the idea of small government and free-market economics. During her term as the Prime Minister, she carried out policies to privatize the nationalized industry and to cut tax rates. As a result, many businesses boomed but unemployment rate increased. She was later replaced by John Major in 1990. 35. John Major He is the leader of the Conservative party and is the ex-Prime Minister of the UK. In 1990, he was elected the leader of the Conservative party, replacing Mrs Thatcher. After he came into power, he has continued to carry out Thatcher’s policies but in a milder way. 36. relative decline of the UK economy