英美国家概况复习

1. The civil rights movement

It is one of the most important of all social movements in the 1960s in America. Rosa Parks’ spontaneous action in 1955 was believed to the true beginning of the civil rights movement. The black students’ sit-in at a department lunch counter in North Carolina touched off the nationwide civil rights movement. During the first half of the decade, civil rights organizations like the SNCC,CORE,and SCLC struggled for racial intergration by providing leaderships,network and the people. In the latter half of the decade, some black organizations changed their nonviolent tactics, and emphasized on more radical means to end discrimination and raised the self-image of the blacks. The civil rights movement produced such great leaders as Martin Luther King. Jr, and Malcolm X, who inspired a generation of both blacks and whites to devote their lives to fighting for racial equality in th US.

2.A federal system【联邦制】

It is one in which power is shared between a central authority and its constiuent parts, with some rights reserved to each.

3.King Arthur

It is said that he was the King of England in the 5th century and united the British and drove the Saxons back with his magica sword,Excalibur. His real existence is in doubt. He is the central figure of many legends.

4. The Anglo-Saxons

They were two groups of Germanic peoples who settled down in England from the 5th century. They were regarded as the ancestors of the English and the founders of England.

5. Riverdance[大河舞] It is a very popular form of dancing based on Ireland’s intricate[错综复杂的]folk dances which are rearranged and modernized and adapted onto current stage performance. Dancing is traditionally part of Irish culture. It is usually accompanied by the Irish pipe and fiddle. The music usually sounds fast and furious. Most of the action

is from the waist down, with the arms held rigidly at the sides.

6. The House of Commons

It is the real center of British political life because it is the place where about 650 elected representatives(members of parliament)make and debate policy. These MPs are elected in the General Elections and should represent the interests of the people who vote for them.

7. The Commonwealth【英联邦】

In the author’s opinion, the Commowealth is a voluntary association of states which is made up mostly of former British colonies. There are 50 members of the Commonwealth: many of these are developing countries like India and Cyprus; others are developed nations like Australia,Canada and New Zealand. The Commonwealth was set up as a form for continued cooperation and as a sort of support network.

8. Maoritanga

It is the Maori word for “Maori culture.” It refers to all the elements of the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people in New Zealand, including their language, customs and traditions,

9. The “Washminster” form polity

It is adopted by the Australian government. It is a mixture of the US Washington system of government and the British Westminster system. This means that the political structure of the government is base on a Federation of States with a three-tier system of government. However, the chief executive is a Prime Minister, instead of a President as in the US system.

10. Yellowstone National Park

It is the oldest and one of the largest national parks in the US. It is named after the Yellowstone River that flows through the area. It is known for its geysers and hot springs among other natural wonders.