17.British Monarchy today.

• The present head of the British monarchy, Queen Elizabeth II, has been on the throne since 1952 and is the only head of state in the world to reign over more than one independent country - she is officially Queen of no less than sixteen other states, including Australia and Canada. The monarch of the UK is not only the official head of state of this country and its dependent territories, but also head of the Commonwealth.

• Today, 16 of the 53 independent states within the Commonwealth, including the United Kingdom, remain Commonwealth realms and share the same monarch. The present monarch, Elizabeth II, succeeded her father, George VI, in 1952. Like her recent predecessors, Elizabeth II continues to function as a constitutional monarch. In the 1990s, Republicanism in the United Kingdom grew, partly due to negative publicity associated with the Royal Family (for instance, immediately following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales). However, recent polls show that around 70–80% of the British public support the continuation of the monarchy

• The present Royal family can trace its lineage all the way back to the 9th century Kings of Wessex. In the past the British monarchy held absolute power over its subjects, but nowadays their role is perceived as more ceremonial - the State Opening of Parliament for instance - with government acting by consent rather than by order.

• As an institution, the monarchy is Britain's largest landowner and many of the royal residences are major tourist attractions.

• The British Monarchy as we now know it is a far cry from its beginnings: after the Viking invasions of the 9th century, the first recognisable English kings - starting with Alfred the Great - begun to hold sway. But it was only when England was overrun by the Normans, and the reign of William the Conqueror commenced, that a centralised system of Royal rule was established.

• The English monarch is largely a figurehead. While she does appoint the prime minister, she never appoints anyone but the head of the majority party/colition. She is also the head of the Church of England but does little actual theological work in this role. She is however a symbol of the continuity between English past and future and a symbol of English culture. She wields no actual power, but she remains important as a symbol.

18. Modern Britain.

• Great Britain possessed vast colonies, its citizens have mastered in Canada and Australia, the USA and New Zealand. Many of these countries were and are strategically important, since they occupy key positions in the regions and international lines of communication.

• Modern Britain consists of many cultures and people of different faiths: Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs and others. Modern English society consists of people with different religious beliefs.

• The role of the Queen as head of state is respect and acceptance of different faiths and to promote understanding and tolerance between people of different faiths.

• Modern Britain - an island state located in the British Isles.