Today we’ll speak about the political systems of the English speaking countries

New Zealand is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Though New Zealand is an independent state the British Queen is the head of state there, so, the country is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. Its form of government reflects its historical link with Great Britain. The Queen is represented by the governor-general. Like in Great Britain, the Parliament represents the legislative branch though the Parliament in New Zealand has only one chamber, the House of Representatives. There are 120 members and they are elected by the people.

The main political parties are the National Party and the Labour Party. The leader of the party that has the majority of seats in the House becomes prime minister. He appoints ministers, heads of the formal Executive Council and the informal but influential Cabinet.

The British monarch appoints the governor-general who is part of the Executive Council. New Zealand has no written single constitutional document. The Constitution Act of 1986 determines the distribution of powers: legislative, executive and judicial.

Have you understood the text? Listen to it again and try to answer my questions.

Questions:

1. What kind of country is New Zealand?
2. Who is the head of the state?
3. What is the political system of New Zealand?
4. How is the Queen represented?
5. What is the legislative branch of power?
6. How many members are there in the House of Representatives?
7. What are the main political parties?
8. Who becomes prime minister of the state?
9. Whom does he appoint?
10. Who appoints the governor-general?

UK Political System

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a constitutional monarchy.

The power of Queen Elizabeth II is not absolute.

It is limited by Parliament.

The legislative body, Parliament, consists of two chambers: the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

The executive body consists of the central Government — that is the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers, who are responsible for initiating and directing the national policy.

The judiciary body is independent of both the legislative and the executive ones.

The Government derives its authority from the elected House of Commons.

General elections, for all seats in the House of Commons, must be held at least every five years.

The Government is normally formed by the political party which is supported by the majority in the House of Commons.

The leader of the party is appointed the Prime Minister by the Queen and chooses a team of ministers.

The second largest party becomes the Official Opposition with its own leader and the “Shadow Cabinet”.

The House of Lords is a hereditary chamber.

In Great Britain there is no written constitution, only customs and traditions.

Questions:

1. What can you say about the power of the Queen in Great Britain?
2. Is there a constitution in Great Britain?
3. What houses does the legislative branch consist of?
4. Who is the Queen of Great Britain?
5. The House of Commons is a hereditary chamber, isn’t it?