Annotations

Convention – general conference devoted to a special object; draft – to compose and write; convenience – that which is convenient (suitable, fit); system of checks and balances – a mechanism to control the abuse of power; restrain – to keep under control; override – to set aside, to cancel; universal suffrage -right to vote for all; compel – to force; impeachment – accusation of smb. of crime against the State; preamble – the introductory part of a document.

Task 2. Fill in the blank with the correct word:

1. The 55 delegates who … the Constitution included most of the outstanding leaders, or Founding fathers, of the new nation.

2. They (the 13 states) joined together as equals for the common ….

3. The system of the checks and balances gives each branch the means to … the other two.

4. The drafters of the Constitution saw that the future might bring a need for changes, that is why they provided a method of adding ….

5. The Constitution requires that “no person shall be … in any criminal case to be a witness against himself”.

6. Adopted in 1787 the Constitution was finally … and came into force on March 4, 1789.

7. Any member of Congress who wishes to become President of the United States must … from that body.

Task 3. Find out whether the statement is true or false according to the information in the text:

1. The Constitutional Convention which was to adopt a new Constitution officially opened on May 25, 1787, in Washington.

2. The President has the power to veto acts passed by Congress, but the Congress may override the veto by a simple majority.

3. The drafters of the Constitution saw that the future might bring a need for changes that is why they provided a method of adding amendments.

4. The Bill of Rights abolished slavery and guaranteed universal suffrage.

5. Any person who wishes to become President of the United States must become a member of Congress.

6. The President may, or may not be a member of the political party with a majority in Congress.

Task 4. Answer the following questions:

1. How may a constitution be defined?

2. Describe the body which adopted the Constitution of the United States.

3. Why did the Constitution divide power into three branches?

4. Why was there a wide-spread dissatisfaction of the American people when the Constitution was first proposed and adopted?

5. Examine the role of the Bill of Rights.

6. What is the process of removing government officials and the President from office for misconduct?

7. Discuss the role of the State Constitutions and their structures.

Task 5. Explain:

1. What is a federal system?

2. What for was a so-called system of the checks and balances established?

3. Is it reasonable, that the President, or any other member of the government, cannot be a member of Congress?

Дата добавления: 2015-07-20