1. Britain has been a monarchy for centuries, only for a short while becoming a republic under Cromwell.
2. The British zealously preserve their traditions, be it Christmas pudding or afternoon tea. Having a monarch at the head of the state is one of them.
3. Monarchy gives a sense of continuity and security in the ever changing world.
4. The British monarch has a purely decorative function and thus does not contradict the democratic principles of government in Great Britain.
5. The British monarch is impartial, does not support any political party, hence, can give advice to whoever is head of the state at the moment.
6. Britain without a monarch will lose most of its attractiveness for tourists who bring millions to the country's budget.
7. The British monarch works endlessly as an ambassador and representative of the country.
8. The Crown consolidates the nation and strengthens the unity of the UK.
You are welcome to add more to this list!
TASK 2
Develop the reasons you've chosen into ‘full bodied' arguments.
To make sure the reasons you have chosen can be developed into solid arguments answer the questions:
1. Is the age of either a form of governance or of a leader a sure sign of efficiency and effectiveness?
2. In what way does following traditions protect a country (in this case Great Britain) from calamities? >20> ?
3. How well do democratic principles coexist with monarchy? Does this combination work out for Great Britain?
4. Does the British monarch contribute to world peace and unity of nations (at least members of the former empire)?
5. Why should monarchy make a country (in this case Great Britain) more attractive to tourists?
6. Is the British monarch perceived by the Britons as ‘the father/mother of the whole nation'?
7. Do the British respect the monarch as a symbol or as a particular individual on the throne at a particular moment in the country's history?
8. In what way can the British monarch ‘shelter' the people from disturbing changes within the kingdom or the world at large?
9. Can you think of good analogies to prove that the British monarchy does have a future?
10. What facts and statistics can you provide to prove the reasons are valid? (e.g. find out how much the monarch costs the nation and how much she/he brings to the treasury).
TASK 3
Write down three solid arguments that you managed to develop with logical and factual support.
TASK 4
Write an essay on the topic ‘The future of the British Monarchy'. Consult the Manual (‘Writing an essay' section).
