美国概况(unit 3_4_6_7_8)

英美国家概况下册

UNIT 3

1. What is an American? Comment on the answer to the question by Crevecoeur?

(1)American is either a European or the descendant of a European, hence that strange mixture of blood, which you will find in no other country.

He is an American, who leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced, the new government he obeys, and the new rank he holds

The American is a new man, who acts upon new principles. He must therefore entertain new ideas and form new opinions...this is an American.

(2)According to Crevecoeur, The American in those days had the mixed blood of Europeans or their descendants without taking into consideration other nationalities such as American Indians and blacks. But today, the picture of an American is more complex.

1. What is an American?

He is either a European, or the descendant of a European, hence that strange mixture of blood, which you will find in no other country. He is an American, who leaving behind him his entire ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced, the new government he obeys, and the new rank he holds. ... Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labors and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world. ... The American is a new man, who acts new principles; he must therefore entertain new ideas, and form new opinions.

2. How did modern development in Europe influence the settlement of North American colonies?

Some new and powerful social forces began to emerge which led to the awakening of Europe and the discovery of America.

The first new force was the development of capitalism, and it produced the bourgeois class and the working class.

The second major force was Renaissance, which was marked by a changing outlook on life. The third influential force was Religious Reformation, a religious reform movement that started form Germany.

3. What was the unique American phenomenon? How did it come into being? Do you think it still exists in today's American society?

英美国家概况下册

on the one hand, the English and other Europeans went to North American for seeking freedom. But on the other hand, these very white people who were seeking and fighting for their own freedom deprived black Africans of their freedom

The two events combined constituted a unique American. First one is that on July, 30, 1619, the first meeting of an elected legislature took place in North American. The second one is a Dutch ship brought in over 20 Negroes, who were acted as servants for years.

Yes, I do.

4. In what way did Puritanism influence American culture?

The Puritans believed that governments should enforce God's morality. They strictly punished drunks, adulterers, violators of the Sabbath and other religious believers different from themselves. Roger Williams, one of the Puritans who protested that the state should not interfere with religion, was driven out of Massachusetts. In 1635, he set up Rhode Island colony, which guaranteed religious freedom and the separation of church and state. The Puritans also have left rich cultural heritage to future Americans. The American values such as individualism, hard work, and respect of education owe very much to the Puritan beliefs.

4. In what way did Puritanism influence American culture?

(1). Today, Puritans are no longer in existence. But their legacies are still felt in American society and culture. For example, the Puritans hoped to build "a city upon hill" an ideal community. Since that time, Americans have viewed their country as a great experiment, a worthy model for other nations. This sense of mission has been very strong in the minds of many Americans.

(2). The Puritans also have left rich cultural heritage to future Americans. The American values such as individualism, hard work, and respect of education owe very much to the Puritan beliefs.

Unit 4

2. What is a federal system? What are some of the major differences between a federal system and a confederation?

The Constitution set up a federal system with a strong central government. A federal system is one in which power is shared between a central authority and its constituent parts, with some rights reserved to each. The Constitution also called for the election of a national leader, or president. It provided that federal laws would be made only by a Congress made up of

英美国家概况下册

representatives elected by the people. It also provided for a national court system headed by a Supreme Court.

3. What are some of the major powers of each of the three branches of the U.S. government? How are the three branches supposed to check and balance each other?

If Congress proposes a law that the president thinks is unwise, the president can veto it. That means the proposal does not become law. Congress can enact the law despite the president's views only if two-thirds of the members of both houses vote in favor of it. If Congress passes a law which is then challenged in the courts as unconstitutional, the Supreme Court has the power to declare the law unconstitutional and therefore no longer in effect. The president has the power to make treaties with other nations and to make all appointments to federal positions, including the position of Supreme Court justice. The Senate, however, must approve all treaties and confirm all appointments before they become official. In this way the Congress can prevent the president from making unwise appointments.

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