Read the answers to the following questions from the text. 1. who is the head of state in britain? 2. does the queen rule the country? 3. what does the queen do? 4. what do you know about the royal family? 5. what countries were included into the british empire at the beginning of the 20th century? 6. what happened in 1949? 7. who does the real power in britain belong to? 8. what do you know about the british parliament? 9. why is the house of lords important? 10. how often do the british people elect members of the house of commons? переведите и ответьте.

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 sovereign is head of state, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected parliament. although the sovereign no 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 monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history. in addition to these state duties, the monarch has a less formal role as 'head of nation'. the sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service. in all these roles the sovereign is supported by members of their immediate family.