英美文化概况名词解释.doc

1.London: is the largest city located in the south of the country. Its dominant in Britain in all sorts of ways. It is the cultural and business center and the headquarters of the vast majority of Britains big companies. It is not only the financial center of the nation, but also one of the three major international financial centers in the world. 2 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. 3 The functions of parliament The functions of Parliament are: to pass laws; to vote for taxation; to scrutinize government policy, administration and expenditure and to debate the major issues of the day. 4 The House of Commons The House of Commons 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 5 Comprehensive schools Comprehensive schools are the most popular secondary schools in Britain today. Such schools admit children without reference to their academic abilities and provide a general education. Pupils can study everything from academic subjects like literature to more practical subjects like cooking. 6 The Open University The Open University was founded in Britain in the 1960s for people who may not get the opportunity for higher education for economic and social reasons. Its open to everybody and doesnt demand the same formal educational qualifications as the other universities. University courses are followed through TV, radio, correspondence, videos and a network of study centers. At the end of their studies at the Open University, successful students are awarded a university degree. 7 The Bill of Rights The Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments which were added to the Constitution in 1791. The B