II. Answer the following questions. Give extensive answers.

1. What is a maximum duration of the British Parliament? Is it fixed or not?

2. Who and why may call a by-election?

3. Is the minimum voting age in Britain the same as in Russia?

4. How long does the election campaign in Britain last?

5. What candidate wins at the elections?

6. Which party forms the Government?

7. How is the Cabinet of Prime Minister formed?

8. What is each minister in the Cabinet responsible for?

9. What does the second largest party become?

III. Read the sentences and say if they are true or false. Correct the false ones.

1. Parliament has a maximum duration of six years.

2. A by-election is called if an individual MP dies, resigns or is given peerage.

3. The minimum voting age is 21.

4. The voting is not taken by secret ballot.

5. The election campaign lasts about three months.

6. The candidate with the most votes wins.

7. The British Parliament system depends on political parties.

8. The party which wins the majority seats forms "Shadow cabinet".

9. The Prime Minister chooses about 651 MPs from his or her party to form the Cabinet.

10. Each minister is responsible for a particular area of the government.

IV. Talking point. Choose a topic and give your arguments for and against.

• Many people think that British electoral system is unfair.

• The government of the day may dissolve Parliament and call for a general election at any time during the term.

• Leader of the opposition is a recognized post in the House of Commons.

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