1) What do the words octogenarian, septuagenarian mean?
2) Who and where will gather together on the mentioned Friday?
3) How is the Queen of England supposed to celebrate her birthday?
4) What is the underlying reason for the celebration?
5) What are the reasons to reflect on the institution of the British monarchy?
6) Is there any evidence that the British would abandon this form of Government?
Reading for vocabulary 1.2.
Monarchy
Before you read. Think over the following questions:
- What British monarchs do you remember? What are they famous for?
- Does monarchy in Britain have any future or is it a fading institution?
Read the following text.
Monarchy is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom.
In a monarchy a king or queen is Head of State. The British monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that, while The Queen is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament.
As a system of government, constitutional monarchy has many strengths. One is that it separates out the ceremonial and official duties of the Head of State from party politics. Another is that it provides stability and continuity, since the Head of State remains the same even as governments come and go.
The Sovereign governs according to the constitution - that is, according to rules, rather than according to his or her own free will. Although the United Kingdom does not have a written constitution which sets out the rights and duties of the Sovereign, they are established by conventions. These are non-statutory rules which can bind just as much as formal constitutional rules. However, the Sovereign retains an important political role as Head of State, formally appointing prime ministers, approving certain legislation and bestowing honours. The Queen also has official roles to play in other organisations, such as the Armed Forces and the Church of England.
The origins of constitutional monarchy in Britain go back a long way. Until the end of the seventeenth century, British monarchs were executive monarchs, which means that they had the right to make and pass legislation. But even in early times there were occasions when the Sovereign had to act in accordance with the law and take into account the will of his people.
With the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, for example, the leading noblemen of England succeeded in forcing King John (John Lackland) to accept that they and other freemen had rights against the Crown.
In the seventeenth century, the Stuart kings propagated the theory of the divine right of kings, claiming that the Sovereign was subject only to God and not to the law. Widespread unrest against their rule led to civil war in the second half of the seventeenth century. In 1688-9 Parliamentarians drew up a Bill of Rights, which established basic tenets such as the supremacy of Parliament. The constitutional monarchy we know today really developed in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
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Although the British Sovereignno longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation. As Head of State, The Queen undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history. There are inward duties, with The Queen playing a part in State functions in Britain. Parliament must be opened, Orders in Council have to be approved, Acts of Parliament must be signed, and meetings with the Prime Minister must be held.
There are also outward duties of State, when The Queen represents Britain to the rest of the world. For example, The Queen receives foreign ambassadors and high commissioners, entertains visiting Heads of State, and makes State visits overseas to other countries, in support of diplomatic and economic relations.
In addition to these State duties, The Queen has a less formal role as 'Head of Nation'. She acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of public and voluntary service. Through her engagements and walkabouts, The Queen is able to meet people from every walk of life. Occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament, Trooping the Colour and Garter Day are some of the most colourful and exciting events of the year.
Members of the Royal Family support The Queen in her many State and national duties, as well as carrying out important work in the areas of public and charitable service, and helping to strengthen national unity and stability. Those who undertake official duties are members of The Queen's close family: her children and their spouses, and The Queen's cousins (the children of King George VI's brothers) and their spouses. Younger members of the Royal Family who are presently in education or military training - such as Prince William and Prince Harry - do not undertake official duties full-time, but often play a role in important national events and commemorations. Members of the Royal Family also often represent The Queen and the nation in Commonwealth or countries, at events such as State funerals or national festivities, or through longer visits to strengthen Britain's diplomatic and economic relations.
