Реферат: Все об Англии и Лондоне
Parliament consists of two chambers known as the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Parliament and the monarch have different roles in the government of the country, and they only meet together on symbolic occasions such as the coronation of a new monarch or the opening of Parliament. In reality, the House of Commons is the only one of the three which has true power. It is here that new bills are introduced and debated. If the majority of the members are in favour of a bill it goes to the House of Lords to be debated and finally to the monarch to be signed. Only then it becomes law. Although a bill must be supported by all three bodies, the House of Lords only has limited powers, and the monarch has not refused to sign one since the modern political system began over 200 years ago.
UK HOLIDAYS
There are many holidays in Great Britain. The main are Christmas and Bank holidays.
Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December and symbolizes the birthday of Christ. This day is marked by setting the fur-tree and decorating it with different toys and candles. Children wait for Santa Claus who comes to every house and brings presents. Going to bed children leave their stockings and shoes to receive presents the next morning. There are a lot of parties organized by people to celebrate this wonderful holiday. Young people like to spend it together in good companies. There are a lot of fun and jokes on that day.
Meeting the New Year Eve is held in family in England. Some people in Scotland go outside and meet New Year on squares singing songs or dancing. The first man coming to you after the New Year Eve may bring you luck, especially if he comes with a piece of bread and coal. Bread symbolizes wealth and coal — warmth. Children like this holiday very much. They go from house to house, sing songs and congratulate people. People treat them candies or give them little money.
Bank holidays are celebrated four times a year. This day is the day-off for everybody because all banks and all places of business are closed. Englishmen spend this holiday in the country.
There are also great fairs with a lot of goods for sale, with fun, jokes and choosing the Pearl Queen and King. The Pearl Queen and King are people at the Fair who have the most unusual costume with a lot of pearl buttons on it.
There are many other holidays in Great Britain.