课前准备 Warm-up

To the political system is concerned, all western countries are a parliamentary democracy, a multiparty system and separation of powers system. However, the organizations in specific and different countries have their own characteristics, which are most representative of the U.S. presidential model, and the United Kingdom parliamentary cabinet system model. The two countries’ political systems are especially different in the constitution, the legislature, the executive, and the judicial. This unit is going to tell more details.
Brainstorm your ideas on the following questions.

(1)How does the political system of a county affect its people? Do you think people in the feudal China enjoyed the same rights as we do today?

(2)What do you know about the American political system? How is it different from the Chinese political system?

Hint: the comparison and contrast can be conducted in the following aspects:

a. the party in power

b. the governments at different levels and their responsibilities

c. the administrative division of the country (how many states or provinces and so on.)

d. people’s rights and duties

本章概览 An Overview

This unit introduces two kinds of political systems. Passage one is about the American political system. Passage two is a speech delivered by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. He talks about his life values and political convictions which will guide him and his government during his term.

 

学习目标 Objectives

Through discussion and learning, the students should

1.Acquire key words and expressions in talking about political systems

2.Get a general idea of the political systems of British and American

3.Be able to use the words and expressions in discussion

 

知识结构 Knowledge Structure

Passage One American Civics

The meaning of Civics 

The explanation for civic life, politics and government

The introduction of the Constitutions

The foundations of the American political system

Influencing factors of American political system

American democracy and government

Rights of American government

Government and law

The relationship of the United States to other nations and to world affairs

The roles of citizens in American democracy

 

Passage TwoGordon Brown's First Speech

Britain’s rising aspiration and the need to change

The necessity of renewing themselves as the party of change

Brown’s life values and political convictions

The government during his term