☰ Contents · English

The state structures of the USA and the UK

Lessons 34–35 · 2 lessons · L. Jurayev, M. Abdullayeva, H. Tuhtarova, S. Khan, L. Tsoy, K. Inogamova, L. Matskevich, R. Ziryanova. Fly High English 9 (English, Grade 9), revised and expanded 2nd edition. “Yangiyo‘l Poligraf Servis”, Tashkent, 2014
34

The USA is a republic

Textbook: p. 52
GoalThe state structure of the USA: a federal republic, three branches, Congress, the President, the Supreme Court; the Present Simple Passive.
New words
federal republic · federal respublikaHouse of Representatives · Vakillar palatasiSupreme Court · Oliy sudstate · shtat
Explanation

The USA is a federal republic: the 50 states share power with the central government. Federal power is split between three branches. The legislative branch is Congress, which has two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The executive branch is led by the President, helped by the Vice President; the President is elected for four years and can serve no more than two terms. The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts. The President chooses federal judges, but the Senate must approve them. The capital is Washington, D.C. The Constitution was written in 1787 and is still in force. Passive: Congress is made up of two chambers. The President is elected for four years. Laws are passed by Congress.

Worked examples
Congress is made up of two houses. The laws are discussed there. – The President is elected for four years, but the judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate.
Uzbekistan and the USA are both republics with three branches of power. But the USA is a federation of 50 states, while Uzbekistan’s president is elected for seven years and the USA’s for four.
Class activity

“Which branch?”: cards show duties (makes laws, carries out laws, decides court cases); groups place each under the correct branch.

Practice
1
Present Passive: New laws (discuss) in Congress.
2
What two houses make up Congress?
3
For how many years is the US President elected?
4
Why is the USA called a “federal” republic?