25. The usa: Physical geography of the usa: mountains and plains; major rivers and lakes of the usa. Natural resources and their sites. Weather and climate.

The United States spans diverse physical regions. The Rocky Mountains dominate the west, while the Appalachian Mountains lie in the east. Between them stretch the Great Plains, vital for agriculture. Major rivers include the Mississippi-Missouri system (longest in North America), the Colorado, and the Columbia. The Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario) form the world’s largest freshwater system.

The U.S. is rich in natural resources: coal (Appalachia), oil and gas (Texas, Gulf Coast, Alaska), timber (Pacific Northwest), and arable land (Midwest).

Climate varies widely: humid subtropical in the Southeast, arid in the Southwest, Mediterranean in California, continental in the interior, and subarctic in Alaska. Tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards are notable weather phenomena.

26. The usa flag and its history. American symbols: the Pledge of Allegiance, the Washington Monument, the Liberty Bell, the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore.

The American flag ("Stars and Stripes") has 13 horizontal stripes (representing the original colonies) and 50 stars (for each state). It evolved from the Betsy Ross design (1777) and was standardized in 1960 after Hawaii’s statehood.

Key national symbols include:

The Pledge of Allegiance (written in 1892, modified in 1954 to include “under God”), recited to affirm loyalty to the flag and republic.

The Washington Monument, honoring George Washington in D.C.

The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, symbolizing independence (cracked during celebrations of the 1776 Declaration).

The Statue of Liberty (gift from France, 1886), representing freedom and welcoming immigrants.

Mount Rushmore (South Dakota), featuring carved faces of Washington, Jefferson, T. Roosevelt, and Lincoln—symbolizing U.S. founding, expansion, conservation, and unity.

27. Political system of the usa. Political parties in the usa, their policies.

The U.S. operates a federal presidential constitutional republic with separation of powers among the executive (President), legislative (Congress: House + Senate), and judicial (Supreme Court) branches.

Two dominant parties shape policy:

The Democratic Party supports progressive taxation, universal healthcare, environmental regulation, civil rights, and multilateral foreign policy.

The Republican Party emphasizes limited government, lower taxes, gun rights, traditional values, deregulation, and strong national defense.

While third parties exist (e.g., Libertarian, Green), the winner-takes-all electoral system limits their influence. Presidential elections use the Electoral College, not direct popular vote.

BONUS

• Environmental issues of the British Isles

The British Isles face several environmental challenges:

Climate change: Rising sea levels threaten coastal areas; increased rainfall causes flooding (e.g., 2015–16 winter floods).

Air pollution: Urban centers like London struggle with NO₂ and particulate matter from vehicles.

Biodiversity loss: Habitat destruction affects native species (e.g., hedgehogs, red squirrels).

Waste management: Plastic pollution and landfill reliance remain concerns, though recycling rates are improving.

Renewable energy transition: The UK leads in offshore wind power and aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Environmental policy is devolved: Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have distinct strategies, though all align with broader UK climate commitments under the Climate Change Act (2008).