unit 2 (British and American Studies) 英美文化的 .pptVIP

Unit 2 The British Government In this unit, we will look at how Britain is governed, nationally and locally. We begin by looking at the structure of the national government and some of the main principles behind the evolution of the British Constitution. A famous British writer Thomas Paine has ever said, “Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one”. How do you understand it? 1. THE BRITISH government Unit 2 The Structure of Central Government The Monarch The Government and the Cabinet Parliament Britain Britain Britain Britain Britain The Character of British Government Civil Servants Local Government Unit 2 It is said ‘power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely’. In your opinion, how to avoid corruption in government? 2. Think and answer the following questions: Can you list the differences and similarities between British Government and American Government? 3. 4. What is the function of Monarch in Britain? In your opinion, what qualities a Parliament Member is required? 5. The British Government Unit 2 1.1 The Structure of Central Government formal Head of State and Commonwealth Monarch Legislature Parliament House of Commons, 659 elected Members of Parliament (MPs) House of Lords, -- (before reform) hereditary and life peers (after reform) appointed and elected Executive ‘Prime Minister’ and ‘Minister’ (about 25), all MPs, form Cabinet, Also Junior Ministers Civil Servants Permanent officials employed by government. Advice Ministers and implement policy. Top officials popularly known as ‘mandarins’ Judiciary Headed by Lord Chancellor, a leading Law Lord appointed by the Prime Minister. House of Lords is the highest court The British Government Unit 2 1.2.1 The role of the Sovereign 1.3 The Monarch Although historically the sovereign had more power in the government of Britain, today the role is largely a one. As head of