Текст 1 About Myself

Sea fishing is of great importance in Scotland and in the north east of England.

Britain is a parliamentary democracy with a Constitutional monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, as head of State. The country is governed in the Queen's name by the Government. The Queen is temporal head of the Church of England.

The British Parliament consists of two Houses: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The Queen opens each new session with a speech setting out the government's broad programme.

The House of Commons, which plays the major part in law-making, consists of 635 elected members of Parliament (MPs), each representing an area in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. MPs are elected at a general election held every five years. The minimum voting age is 18. The Government is formed by the political party, which can command majority support in the House of Commons. Its leader is the Prime Minister, who chooses ministers, of whom 20 are in the Cabinet. The executive power is exercised by the Cabinet. The House of Commons is presided over by the Speaker.

The House of Lords is made up hereditary. The House is presided over by the Lord Chancellor who is the head of the judiciary in England and Wales. Legislative measures are introduced into Parliament as Bills by ministers or by other MPs.

The work of Government is carried out through the various government departments.

Since 1945 Government has alternated between two political parties, the Conservatives (the Tory) and Labour Party. The third long-established party, the Liberals, enjoyed moments of success, but no members of this Party has held government office since 1945.

Flag. Known as the Union Jack, the flag has the red cross of St.George of England, the white cross of St.Andrew of Scotland, and the red cross of St.Patrick of Ireland - all on the blue background.

Anthem "God Save the Queen/King"