9. Do you know that?

Who's who. There are five levels of hereditary peer that make up the aristocracy in Britain. Each has its own special ceremonial costume, and a specially decorated crown, which peers are entitled to wear on special occasions, such as a coronation or at the official opening of Parliament.

Duke. This is the highest rank in the peerage as well as the rarest title. In this country, the title has only been given to members of the Royal Family. The wife of a duke is a duchess.

Marquess. The first marquess in England was created by Richard II in 1385. Ten marquess were created last century. The wife of a marquess is a marchioness.

Earl. This is one of the oldest titles and comes from the ancient word for chief. Two prominent prime ministers were given the title in the 20th century. The wife of an earl is a countess.

Viscount. The first viscount was created in 1440, but the title has never been widely used. The wife of a viscount is a viscountess.

Baron. This is the lowest rank in the peerage and the most common title. All non-hereditary peers created today have the title baron or baroness.

NOTES:

Duke – герцог

duchess – герцогиня

marquess - marquis –маркиз

marchioness — маркиза

earl – граф

countess – графиня

viscount – виконт

viscountess – виконтесса

10. Read the text and answer the questions below: political parties

Political parties in Britain began to form in the 17th century. During the Civil War (1640-1660) the division between the aristocratic supporters of the Anglican Church who fought for the King, and the middle-class Puritans who took the side of Parliament, reflected a difference in religious, political and economic principles which prepare the way for future party distinctions. With the restoration of monarchy (1660) these two groups were nicknamed, respectively, as the Tory squires and the Whigs. (The word "Tories" is an Irish name for thieves and was applied to the Conservatives by their opponents, but later they adopted the name to describe themselves. The Whigs is a rude name for cattle drivers).

In the 19th century the two-party system reached its solid modem form. By the 20th century the two parties were the Conservatives and the Liberals, direct descendants of the older Tory and Whig parties. Today, this two-party contest is between the Conservative Party and the Labour Party.

The Conservative Party is the party of the Right, the party of big business, industry, commerce and landowners. It has successfully portrayed itself as the party of patriotism and it appeals to a "property-owning democracy". It gives emphasis to the importance of law and order, and the maintenance of strong armed forces to protect British interests.

The Labour Party was formed in 1900 as the political arm of the trade unions. But now the trade union movement has lost the influence it once had over the party. Labour is the party of social justice, though its emphasis is less on equality than on the achievement of well-being and opportunity for ail members of society. It tends to give collective well-being of society slightly more importance than individual freedom.

The Liberal Party, which traces its origins to the 18lh century "Whigs", merged with the new Social Democratic Party in 1988 to become the Liberal Democrats. The party seeks to attract votes of the middle ground between Labour and the Conservatives. It is the party keenest on constitutional and electoral reform. It also prides itself on being less tied to either capitalist or union interests, and being free to offer more radical policies.

There are a number of minor parties in Great Britain: the Scottish Nationalist Party; the Welsh Nationalist Party; the Ulster Unionists, the Social Democratic and Labour Party and the Democratic Unionists in Northern Ireland.

QUESTIONS:

1. What events in the UK history influenced the two-party system formation?

2. What are the differences between the UK main parties?

3. Can you compare the party system in the UK and that in your country?