Vocabulary

There are many political parties in our country. The most well-known are the Communist Party, the Liberal Democratic Party, the "Unity" Party, the Union of the Right Forces and the "Apple" Party.

to adopt — принимать

branch — ветвь

legislative — законодательный executive — исполнительный judicial — судебный to represent — представлять

house — палата (парламента) law — закон

chairman (мн. ч. chairmen) —

председатель

to divide — делить, разделять subject — субъект

to elect — избирать, выбирать

голосованием

representative — представитель member — член

deputy — депутат

to sign — подписывать

to dissolve — распускать

(парла­мент), прекращать

деятель­ность

suggestion — предложение

three times running — три раза

подряд

civil — гражданский

criminal — уголовный

case — дело

responsibility — обязанность

to determine — определять

to correspond — соответствовать

right — право

freedom — свобода

citizen — гражданин

directly — непосредственно

to appoint — назначать

voting — голосование

to gain — получать

seat — место

to approve — одобрять

to pass a law — принимать

закон

majority — большинство

to declare — объявлять

the system of checks and balances — система «сдержек

и проти­вовесов» (принцип

взаимо­зависимости и

взаимоограни­чения

законодательной,

исполнительной и судебной

власти в США)

"Unity" Party — партия

«Единство»

Union of the Right Forces — Союз

правых сил

Questions

1. What political system does the Russian Federation represent? 2. How many branches are there in the political system of Russia? 3. Which institutions exercise the legislative, executive and judicial power? 4. What is each branch of power responsible for? 5. Can you explain how the branches of power interact? 6. Who is the head of state in Russia? Does he have much power? 7. Are there many political parties in Russia? 8. What are the most well-known parties? 9. Can you compare Russian and American political systems? 10. Would you like to become the President of Russia? Why?

Russian Character

There are a lot of wonders in Russia. But it is true to say that Russia is most famous for its people.

To understand Russian people, one must know from where they come. Nature has not been kind to Russia. Winters in Russia any cold, windy and snowy. So in old Russia people could do little during; long winter months. But in spring there was a lot to be done, and in a short period of time. Perhaps, this explains why the Russians are; often inactive for long periods of time and then show bursts of energy

The harsh climate explains the Russians' strength and their ability to overcome hardships. Climate has also made them cautious.

Yet most of the Russians are open people. They are neither reticent nor reserved as the British. Russian people love to sit down for a nice long chat. They like having parties and receiving guests!; The Russians are known to be a hospitable people. According to old traditions, a guest should always be welcomed with the symbol of life-giving food — bread and salt.

Russian people have always loved their country, though life in Russia has never been easy. They have always been devoted to their Motherland, fighting for peace and independence against enemies.

We can't say that the Russians are conservative. On the contrary, they encourage research and innovation. Still, there are a lot of customs and traditions in their life. For example, before leaving on a journey, many Russian people sit down quietly together for a few minutes.

Russian people are clever and talented. We can name a lot of outstanding Russians who are well-known all over the world. And we can say that we are a nation that has done a lot for the world civilization.

Questions

When foreign guests leave Russia, they usually say different things about the country. Some of them like it, others don't. But practically everybody agrees that Russian people are wonderful. They are friendly, kind and very hospitable.

Russians — Обратите внимание: названия национальностей могут употребляться как с определенным артиклем, так и без артикля

burst — вспышка, прилив

(энергии)

harsh — суровый

to overcome — преодолевать

hardships — трудности, лише­ния

cautious — осторожный

reticent — молчаливый, скрытный

reserved — сдержанный

hospitable — гостеприимный

according to — согласно,

в соответствии с

to welcome — приветствовать

to be devoted — быть преданным

to fight — бороться, сражаться independence — независимость

enemy — враг

on the contrary — напротив, наоборот

to encourage — способствовать,

поддерживать

research — исследование

innovation — нововведение,

новшество

outstanding — выдающийся

to agree — соглашаться