英美文化考试试题附答案

1.What are the differences in political system between the UK and the USA? Differences
F irst the political party system .Britain appears the earliest bourgeois party
in the world and it is the first country to establish and implement two-party system: two-party system combined with the British cabinet system. The cabinet consists of the political party which gains the majority at a general election. The largest opposition party is the House of Commons which can establish a shadow cabinet. The organization of British Party is strict and there are many party members. Britain's two political parties are two different political factions in the parliament at first. On the contrary, the internal organization of American political party is very loose. The ruling par ty masters executive power, but doesn’t master the legislative power. American's two political parties aim at supporting and opposing federalism. The party's main activity is the presidential campaign. The two-party system is stable. This kind of system will cause the United States parties which are in the middle of the internal organization is very weak.
S econd comparison is the Constitution. Up until now, t the Britain does not have
a single document called the Constitution but its constitutional provisions are scattered over various Acts of Parliament. The British constitution is the product of a long-term historical evolution. It is the sum total of the common law over the years. The basic principle of the British Constitution is obscure. However, the United States has a written constitution which is very difficult to change. The United States Constitution is the fundamental law of America, which establishes the legal basis for the American political system.The US Constitution has four major principles: separation of powers, federal system, doctrine of constitutional supremacy and equality. The two purposes of the United States constitution are limiting the power of the government and protecting people's freedom.
T hird is the legal system. American and British legislative systems have the same
principles in general Parliament is the center of the British political stage and is Britain's top legislative branch. The government is elected from the parliament and it should be responsible for the parliament. Parliament is a bicameral legislature. The House of Commons and the House of Lords constitute the British Parliament. In the meantime, the U.S. congress is the highest legislative branch, which consists of the senate and the House of Representatives. The main powers of congress are legislative power, supervisory power of judicial administration, examination and approval authority and amending power. In addition, congress can pass the resolution which does not need the president to sign.
2.What is the role of the Monarch in the UK?
Monarchy is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom.
In a monarchy, a king or queen is Head of State. The British monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that, while The Sovereign is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament.
Although the British Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation.
As Head of State, The Monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history. In addition to these State duties, The Monarch has a less formal role as 'Head of Nation'. The Sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service.
3.How do you comment on the British education system?
课本66页简述+First，these deucation can develop their creativity and imagination maybe that is why there are so mang Nobel Prize's winners and plenty of inventions.Second,these education can give them a chance to enter a famous college like Oxford and Cambridge which is the best single way to guarantee them a successful career.Third these education can develop their patriotism which is important to a country.Of course ,this will lead to a peaceful society.These education can also inspire their passion to make countribution to their society to make a more prosperoty country. These education make a fully developed person who always knows what he wants to do and how to do it well,and then he can live a happy life.
4. What do you think of the Open University in Britain?
5. How do you comment on the American education system?
7题补充：
18. How do people celebrate Halloween?P277
Every October 31, both children and adults slip into the night as ghosts, princesses and pirates, and tell tales of witches and ghosts. Pumpkins are carved into glowering (怒视的) jack-o'-lanterns (a kind of lantern南瓜做的杰克灯笼). Children parade from house to house, knocking on doors and calling out "Trick or treat!" hoping to have their bags filled with candy. It can be a night of fun for those who participate.
17. What does Guy Fawkes’ Day celebrate? P263
16.Discuss the development in the US magazine industry and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the magazine medium.P249
15.Discuss the main services of the British national public broadcaster the BBC.P230
14.List the famous broadcasters in the UK and the USA and try to make a comparison between the broadcasting systems in the two countries.
Media of the United Kingdom consist of several different types of communications media: television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and Web sites. The country also has a strong music industry. The United Kingdom has a diverse range of providers, the most prominent being the state-owned public service broadcaster, the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). Regional media is covered by local radio, television and print newspapers.
USA Broadcasting was an American media company owned by veteran entertainment industry executive Barry Diller. This network was the over-the-air broadcasting arm of USA Network.。