Language practice and comprehension check

terms and notions:

bylaws – n. the written rules for conduct of a corporation, association, partnership or any organization.

caucus n. (pl. -es) 1 US meeting of party members, esp. in the Senate etc., to decide policy. 2 often derog. a meeting of a group within a larger organization or party. b such a group.

TASK I USEFUL VOCABULARY:

label —n. 1 piece of paper etc. attached to an object to give information about it. 2 short classifying phrase applied to a person etc. 3 logo, title, or trademark of a company. —v. (-ll-; US -l-) 1 attach a label to. 2 (usu. foll. by as) assign to a category.

disparate adj. essentially different; not comparable.

allocate v. (-ting) (usu. foll. by to) assign or devote to (a purpose, person, or place).  allocation n.

meld v. merge, blend.

assign —v. 1 (usu. foll. by to) a allot as a share or responsibility. b appoint to a position, task, etc. 2 fix (a time, place, etc.). 3 (foll. by to) ascribe to (a reason, date, etc.) (assigned the manuscript to 1832). 4 (foll. by to) Law transfer formally (esp. property) to (another).

assignment n. 1 task or mission. 2 assigning or being assigned. 3 legal transfer.

run v. – often foll. by for) seek election (run for president).

hammer out v – 1 make flat or smooth by hammering. 2 work out details of (a plan etc.) laboriously.

TASK II A. Match the nouns on the left to their synonyms on the right.

consensus	description
label	government
politics	agreement
allocation	understanding
caucus	allotment
perception	forum
policy	power
extent	action
governance	i. degree

TASK III Use the following phrases in the sentences of your own.

to run for office; to exist separately; to achieve power; to make up the caucus; to hammer out differences; to be for or against government decisions; to protect the environment; to meld disparate interests.

TASK IV Notions to define.

by-laws and customs; the Steering and Policy Committee: committee assignments; gubernatorial politics; legislative governance; to advance legislation; an institution of governance.

TASK V Grammar review.

Complete the following sentences paying attention to the comparative degree of adjectives.

1. The larger the majority the greater… .

2. The broader the perception … the better ... .

3. The higher the taxes the lower …

4. The more aid to the poor the more …

5. The more regulation of industry … the better …

TASK VI In which meaning are the following words used in the text.

1. run, v – 1) to move quickly, 2) to compete in an election, 3) to control.

2. steer, v – 1) to make a boat go in a particular direction, 2) to guide and to direct a particular piece of activity.

3. party, n – 1) a social gathering for pleasure, 2) a group of people with common political aims, 3) a side in a lawsuit.

4. staff, n – 1) people who work for an organization, 2) a long stick to help you walk.

5. make up, v – 1) to invent a story, 2) to use special paint, 3) to constitute, to form.

TASK VII Answer the following questions.

1. What is the most significant organizational unit in Congress?

2. How do legislators organize themselves?

3. What are the kinds of forums of each party?

4. What are the main parties in the USA?

5. What Committees were established by the Democrats in the House in 1992-1994?

6. What Committee did the Republicans organize?

7. Who are national and state parties dominated by?

8. What do elections help people do?

9. Who appoints the leader of the national or state party?

10. Who is the legislative process dominated by?

11. What function does the legislative party system serve?

12. What does the party system determine?

13. Why do individuals choose to become Democrats or Republicans?

14. Why must disparate interests and views be melded?

TASK VIII Translate the following passage and put five questions.