General elections in the uk

Compared to elections in other countries, British elections are rather rapid and straightforward. Traditionally about 75 per cent of the country’s 44 million registered voters take part. They each place a cross next to the name of the candidate they want to vote for on a ballot paper. In a general election, voters choose the man or woman they wish to represent them in the House of Commons.

Unlike other countries, Britain uses the “first-past-the-post” method for choosing its government. Under this system, the candidate who wins the highest number of votes in each constituency becomes the Member of Parliament (MP) for that seat, even if he or she has less than half of the total vote. Currently, there are 651 geographical constituencies in Britain.

Although some candidates represent small fringe parties and pressure-group organizations, most are members of Britain’s main political parties. They are the Conservatives, Labour, and the smaller Liberal Democrat party. There are also six regionally-based parties, including the Scottish Nationalists, the Welsh Plaid Cymru and four political organizations in Northern Ireland.

Any citizen of Britain can try and get elected as an MP. Only bankrupts, prisoners, members of the clergy, peers, and certain senior public officials are not allowed to stand. But in order to limit the number of people who do take part, each candidate is required to deposit £500 before the election. They “lose their deposit” if they fail to win 5 per cent of the votes.

The first-past-the-post principle is also used to decide which party will form the new government. As a rule, the party which wins most seats is invited but the Queen to form the government. The leader of that party then becomes the new Prime Minister.

Ballot – избирательный бюллетень, “first-past-the-post” – here, British election system, also used to refer to a race in which the winner is the first person to cross the finish line, constituency – area for which someone is elected as the representative in parliament , fringe – here, of parties which have extreme or unusual views and which have little support , pressure-group – organisation which raises public awareness about important issues, Plaid Cymru [plaid kʌmri] – political party which wants greater independence for Wales, clergy – religious leaders of the Christian Church, peer – Member of the House of Lords, stand – take part as a candidate in an election, deposit – to hand over a sum of money which is kept as part of payment (залог).

Ex. 1. Agree or disagree.

1. British elections are rather rapid and straightforward.

2. Britain uses the “first-past-the-post” method for choosing its government.

3. Most candidates are members of small fringe parties and pressure-group organizations.

4. Britain’s main political parties are the Conservatives, Labour, and the smaller Liberal Democrat party.

5. Any citizen of Britain can try and get elected as an MP.

6. Each candidate is required to deposit £1000 before the election.

7. A member of the House of Lords can also become a member of the House of Commons.

8. The party which wins most seats forms the government.

Ex.2 .Answer the questions.

1. Do many people in Britain take part in the elections?

2. Who is chosen in a general election?

3. How many MPs are there in the House of Commons?

4. Does British electoral system differ from other countries or is it the same?

5. Are there many political parties in Britain?

6. Can a member of the House of Lords become a member of the House of Commons?

7. Who chooses the Prime Minister?

Ex.3. What can you say about:

- the typical features of British elections?

- the main political parties of Britain?

- the procedure of becoming a candidate in Great Britain?

- the way a new government is formed?