Text III
Legislative Functions of Parliament
Read the following text and render it in Russian. Then using the scheme say how a bill becomes a law.
Laws, in draft form known as bills, may be introduced by any member of either House, but usually a bill is introduced by a Minister of the Crown. A bill introduced by a Minister is known as a “Government Bill”; one introduced by another member is called a “Private Member’s Bill”.
Most bills, involving the general public, are called "Public Bills”.
Each Bill goes through several stages in each House. The first reading is a formality. At the second reading, the general principles of the bill are debated. Following the second reading, the bill is sent to a committee which considers the bill clause by clause. Then the Houses consider the bill in details. If passed, it may be presented for the Sovereign’s Assent.
Thus, every bill obtains the assent of all three components of Parliament before it becomes law.
H Royal Assentow Bills go through Parliament
Government Bills
Public
Bills
House of
Commons
First Reading Publication
is announced. Second
Reading General
debate on principles. Committee
Stage Detailed discussion
in committee.
Report Stage Committee
reports to the House.
Third Reading Formal
review of contents of the Bill
House of
Lords If
the Bill has been introduced in the Commons, it is then reviewed in
the Lords. Some Bills start in the Lords and then go to the
Commons.
The Bill is signed by the Queen and becomes law.
The Royal Assent is still read out in Norman – French: “La
reyne le vault” (The Queen wishes it).
Private
Members’
Bills
Private
Bills
Hybrid
Bills
Text IV
Government of the UK
Read the following text and say who the country is really governed by.
The UK is a constitutional monarchy. The head of the state is the monarch, who reigns but does not govern. The country is actually ruled by a Cabinet of democratically elected officials called ministers.
The government is chosen from the majority party in the House of Commons. The head of the government is the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the monarch. But the monarch must choose the leader of the majority party. The Prime Minister chooses all the other ministers.
About 20 senior ministers form the Cabinet, which meets under the prime minister’s chairmanship. The Cabinet determines government policy as a whole.
Ministers who are in charge of the most important government departments are always included in the Cabinet. These departments include the Treasury, the Home Office, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department of Health and the Ministry of Defense.
The Cabinet is responsible for the general conduct of government affairs, and it sees that the country’s laws are carried out. The Cabinet is also responsible for presenting proposed new laws and tax measures to Parliament.
Exercise 1. Answer the following questions:
Who governs the state?
Are the members of the government appointed?
Who chooses the Prime Minister?
Who determines policy?
What are the ministers in charge of?
What is the Cabinet responsible for?
Exercise 2. Complete the following sentences:
1. The sovereign is…
2. The British Parliament consists of…
3. New Bills are introduced and debated in …
4. If a Bill is passed it is…
5. The duration of Parliament is…
6. The main functions of Parliament are…
7. The head of state is…
8. The government is chosen from…
9. The Cabinet is responsible for…
10. The important government departments are…
11. The leader of the majority party is…
Exercise 3. Compare the state structure of Russia and the UK. Say one complex sentence.
Russia is a Presidential while The UK is a constitutional
Republic. but monarchy.
and
just like
whereas
Model: Russia is a Presidential Republic whereas the UK is a constitutional monarchy.
1. The federal power of the Russian Federation consists of three branches: legislative, executive and judicial.
2. The legislative power in Russia is vested in the Federal Assembly.
3. The Russian parliament consists of two chambers: the Federation Council and the State Duma.
4. To become a law a bill must be approved by both chambers and signed by President of Russia.
5. The executive power in Russia belongs to the government which is headed by the chairman of the government.
6. President of the RF is a commander-in-chief of the armed forces.