第一篇：美国概况(unit 3_4_6_7_8)
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 inpiduals 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?
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 inpidualism, 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 inpidualism, 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
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.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?
(A)1.--the legislative branch is made up of elected representatives from all of the states and is the only branch that can make federal laws, levy federal taxes and declare war or put foreign treaties into effect.It consists of a Congress that is pided into the House of Representative and the Senate.The House of Representatives has 435 members who serve two-year terms.The Senate comprises 100 lawmakers who serve six-year terms.Each state, regardless of population, has two senators.2.--the executive branch is the president, who is elected to a four-year term.A president can be elected to only two terms according to an amendment passed in 1951.The president can appoint federal judges as vacancies occur.He is the commander in chief of the armed forces.The president has other broad authorities in running the government departments and handling foreign relations.3.--the judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court with a chief justice and 8 associate justices.The Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases arising out of the Constitution and other cases which do not arise out of inpidual states.The Supreme Court has the judicial review power, the power determining whether congressional legislation or executive action violates the Constitution.(B)1.If Congress proposes a law that the president thinks is unwise, the president can veto it.2.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.3.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.4．What is the Bill of Rights? Do you think that it was necessary to write the Bill of Rights explicitly into the U.S.Constitution?
The Bill of Rights: the first 10 amendments, collectively known as the Bill of Rights, were added within two years of the adoption of the U.S.Constitution.These amendments remain intact today, as they were written two centuries ago.The first guarantees freedom of worship, speech and press, the right of peaceful assembly, and the right to petition the government to correct wrongs.The Bill of Rights and subsequent constitutional amendments guarantee the American people the fullest possible opportunity to enjoy fundamental human rights.UNIT 6
2.What is the relationship between government and religion in America?
In some ways, the government supports all religions.Religious groups do not pay taxes in the United States.But government does not pay ministers' salaries or require any belief—not even a belief in God—as a condition of holding public office.Oaths are administered, but those who, like Quakers, object to them, can make a solemn affirmation, or declaration, instead
4.What are some of the features in religion that are particularly American? What are some of the major differences between American religion and religion in Europe?
First of all, Americans with different religions live together under the same law.Secondly, the religious beliefs of Americans continue to be strong with social progress.In Europe, scientific and economic advance and rising material prosperity have accompanied by a decline in religious observance in the US, this has not happened.Thirdly, in the United States every church is a completely independent organization, and
concerned with its own finance and its own building.There has been little concentration on doctrine or religious argument such as in European history,Unit 7
5.Why did Mark Twain win so many readers both at home and abroad?
Mark Twain was the first major American writer to be born away from the East Coast.He grew up in a small town on the banks of the Mississippi River and received only a basic public school education.He began working in a printer’s jobs in the Midwest and the West.Twin was a new voice, an original genius, a man of the people.And he quickly won readers.UNIT 8
1.What is the goal of education in the United States? Discuss the similarities and differences in Great Britain, the United States and China concerning the goals of education.The goal is—and has been since the early decades of the republic—to achieve universal literacy and to provide inpiduals with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote both their own inpidual welfare as well as that of the general public.Though this goal has not yet been fully achieved, it remains an ideal toward which the American educational system is directed.The progress which has been made is notable both for its scope and for the educational methods which have been developed in the process of achieving it.3.What are the major characteristics of education in America?
(1)Different education laws for different states.(2)Several levels of schooling：Elementary Schooling，Secondary Schooling and High Schooling.(3)Curricula for students: there is no national curriculum in the United States.(3)Compulsory education for all students.(4)Equal education opportunities for minority groups.(5)Strong demand for higher education.(6)The complex system of higher education.Some states play a strong role in the selection of learning material for their students.Schools were asked not only to teach this new information, but to help students ask their own questions about it.The “inquiry” method of learning, focusing on solving problems rather than memorizing facts, became popular.3.What are the major characteristics of education in America?
1.About 85% of American students attend public schools(schools supported by American taxpayers).The other 15% attend private schools, for which their families choose to pay special attendance fees.Four out of five private schools in the United States are run by churches, synagogues or other religious groups.In such schools, religious teachings are a part of the curriculum.2.Each of the 50 states in the United States has its own laws regulating education.From state to state, some laws are similar;others are not.Education in the United States was to remain in the hands of state and local governments.3.Americans have a strong tendency to educate their children about major public concerns—problems such as environmental pollution, nuclear issues, neighborhood crime and drugs.
第二篇：美国政治制度概况
美国政治制度概况
Political institution（政治制度）
1．The American Constitution is the oldest written constitution in the world.It was draw up in 1787 and went into effect in 1789.美国宪法是世界上最早的成文宪法，它起草于1787年，生效于1789年。
2．In 1787,Congress called for a meeting of delegate from all the states to revise the Articles of Confederation.1787年，国会召开各州代表参加的大会，主要目的是修
改有明显缺点的《联邦条款》。
3．The government is pided into three branched: the legislative ,the executive ,and the judicial.Each branch has part of the powers but not all the power.美国政府
被分为3部分：立法机构，行政机构和司法机构。
4．In either case, amendments must have the approval of three-fourths of the states before they enter into force.有两种情可以提出修改宪法条款，但不管是哪种，修正案
必须经过3/4的批准才能生效。
5．The President of the U.S is the head of the executive branch and the head of the state elected by the whole nation.The Constitution requires the President to be a natural-born American citizen at least 35 years of age.The president election was held every 4 years.宪法规定总统必须是美国本土出生的美国公民，至少年满35岁，总统选举每四年举行一次。
6． In American ,the “winner-take-all” system applies in all states expect Maine.在美国，嬴者全赢的制度适用于除缅因州外的各州。
7．The electors of all fifty states and the District of Columbia-a total of 538 persons-comprise what is known as the Electoral College.To be successful, a candidate for the Presidency must receive 270 votes.50个州加上哥伦比亚特区共有
538位总统候选人，他们组成选举团，要成为美国总统，候选人则要获得270票。
8．The presidential term of 4 years begin on Jan 20 following the November election, The president publicly takes an oath of office, whichis administered by the Chief Justice of the U.S.A president can be elected to office only twice.美国总统任期为4年，每位总统任期最多只能两届，总统宣誓就职仪式是由美国首席大法官主持的。
9． Article I of the Constitution grants all legislative power of the federal government to a Congress composed of two chambers, a Senate and a House of
Representatives.The Senate is composed of 2 members from each state, Membership in the House is based on population and its size is therefore not specified in the Constitution.国会由参议院和众议院组成，参议院由各州派出两名议员共同组成，众议院
成员数则按各州人口及大小而定，因此众义员数宪法没有具体规定。
10． The Constitution requires that U.S.Senators must be at least 30 years of age, citizens of the U.S for at least 9 years, and residents of the states from which they are elected.The senatorial term is 6 years, and every 2 years one-third of the Senate stands for re-election.宪法规定美国参议员必须是年满30岁有美国公民资格9年以上的公民，并且是选其为议员的州的居民，参议员任期为6年，且每月年改选1/3的议员。
11． Menber of the House of Representative must be at least 25, citizens for 7 years, and residents of the states which send them to Congress.Today, the House is composed of 435 members.Since members of the House serve two-year terms, the life of a Congress is considered to be 2 years.宪法规定美国众议员必须是年满25岁有美国公民资格7年以上的公民，并且是选其为议员的州的居民，现在，众议院由来35名议员组成，由于众议员任期为2年，所以国会任期往往被认为是2年。
12． Each hours of the Congress has the power to introduce legislation on any subject, except revenue bills which must first come from the House of Representatives.除
了税收法案必须首先由众议院提出，国会的两院各自有权就任何提议立法。
13． The Constitution provides that the Vice president shall be president of the Senate.He has no vote, except in a case of a tie.The House of Representatives choose its own presiding officer-the Speaker of the House.宪法规定由美国副总统担任参议院议长，议长不参加投票，除非出现两派票数相等的情况，众议院则选出他自己的主持官员，-众议院议长。
14． According to the Constitution, the judicial power of the U.S shall be vested in one Supreme Court.The judicial system has evolved into the present structure: the Supreme Court, 11 court of appeals, 91 district courts, and 3 courts of special jurisdiction.U.S.judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.根据宪法规定，美国的司法权属于最高法院，司法体系结构为：最高法院，11个上诉法院，91个地方法院，3个有特殊司法权的法院，美国的法官是由总统任命并由参议院批准的。
15． The Supreme Court is the highest court of the U.S and is the only organ which has the power to interpret the Constitution The Supreme Court at present consists
of a Chief Justice and 8 Associate Justices.最高法院是美国最高等的法院，也是惟
一有权解释的机构，目前法院由一名首席大法官和颜悦色名助理法官组成。
16． The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in only two kinds of cases: thoseinvolvingforeign dignitaries, and those to which a state in a party.高
等法院最初只对两种案件拥有司法权：涉及国外达官贵人，一个州为一方当事人。
17． In general, American has a two-party system.There are two major political parties in America: the Democrats and the Republicans.There have been four periods in the history of political parties in American.一般说来，美国实行的是两党制，两大主要政党为：民主党和共和党，美国政党的历史可分为四个时期。
18． The first period of the party system in American refer to the appearance of the Federalists and the Anti-federalists.The third phase of the two-party system ran from the 1860s to the 1920s with the Republican Party dominating the political scene for most of the time.美国政党制的第一阶段出现了两个主要党派，联邦派各反联邦派，第三阶段从容不迫9世纪60年代到达9世纪20年代，绝大部分时间是共和党执政。
（2002，21题）
19．In the 28 terms of the House of Representativesfrom 1933 to 1989,the Democrats enjoyed a majority of 26 terms, in the Senate, the Democrats had a majority for 23 terms.从1933年到1989年的确届众议院中，民主党在于6届中拥有多数席位，在参议院中民主党在于23届中拥有多数席位。
20． After the 1828 election of Andrew Jackson, the Democratic-Republican party split.The main faction, led by Andrew Jackson, called themselves the Democratic Party, while the faction opposed to Jackson formed the Whig party in 1834.1828年安德鲁。杰克逊当选总统后，民主共和党分裂，由安德鲁。杰克逊领导的主派自称为民
主党，反对杰克逊的一派于1834年另立辉格党 待续。。。
英国国体：以生产资料私有制为主，资产阶级掌权的资本主义国家政体：君主立宪制国家结构形式：单一制
4国家机构的组成及相互关系
①国家元首 虚伪元首 仅扮演仪式性角色
②立法机构 议会
③行政机构 内阁
④司法机构 法院
关系：
英国君主立宪制的主要机构有国王、议会和内阁。其中议会是国家最高立法机关，主要扮演立法者和监督者的角色。内阁是国家最高行政机关，从议会产生，由占议会多数席位的政党组成，并对议会负责。国王按内阁的意志行使形式上的权利，承担国家元首等礼仪性职责。国王议会和内阁三者之间，既有分权也有制约，体现了英国政体运行的特点。
5政党制度
①主要党派：主要党派有自由党, 工党, 国家党, 民主党等.其中自由党和工党为朝野的两大党派。
②政党制度类型：两党制
近代资产阶级革命后，英国逐步成为君主立宪制国家，其政治制度以议会内阁制为核心，以两党制、常任文官制以及地方自治为主要特点。它对其他资本主义国家政治制度的建立产生了很大影响。
同其他国家的宪法相比，英国的宪法有以下几个特点：
1、英国的宪法是不成文的宪法。英国宪法的最大不同之处是它从未以一部单一法典的形式出现，而是由13、14世纪以来，在各个不同时期通过的各种成文或不成文的、形式上多种多样的具有宪法性的法律构成。主要有《大宪章》、《人民公约》、《权利请愿书》、《权利法案.》等。
2、英国宪法是柔性宪法。英国的宪法性文件的制定和修改程序同普通法律一样，其法律地位也是同议会制定的其他法律一样。这一现象产生的原因是由于英国宪法的非法典化，但最主要的原因是没有任何一届议会能够约束它的继任议会，也没有任何议会不能改变它的前任议会的立法，这样，在英国的政治实践中，很难形成关于宪法限制或权限的统一模式。
3、政治习惯的作用。政治习惯是在长期的政治实践中形成的，为人们认可和接受的行为规范。在英国，政治习惯是几个世纪的有意识的努力的结果。这样的政治习惯有：国王必须委任下议院的多数党领袖组建政府，内阁必须向议会负责并向议会报告工作等等。这些习惯被政治实践者认真遵守，以至于它们成了英国宪法的重要组成部分。
英国并不是严格意义上的三权分立国家。首相可以被看作当代英国政治中最有权势的人，首相是政府的首脑，是内阁的主持人，是议会的议员，同时也是女王的最高政治顾问。首相、内阁、议会三者之间的关系是：
议会（多数党）←←←←←←←负责←←←←↑
↓领↑
↓袖↑
首相 —领导— 内阁 —领导— 政府
与其他国家相比,英国的政治制度既古老而又有鲜明的特色,这主要体现在它的君主制与民主制的结合、“议会至上”的议会内阁制。
英国选举制度是单选区相对多数票取胜，这对两大党有利。一般而言，在大选中获胜的大党，都没有得到总票数的50％，但当选的议席超过一半以上而单独执政。不论工党或保守党获胜都是如此。而自由党最吃亏，它取得不低的得票率，但所获得的国会议席很少，与得票率完全不成比例。（自由党在1988年与从工党分裂出去的社会民主党合并，改称为自由民主党）。
英国的两党制并不是铁板一块、完美无缺的，它也存在着很多弊端。首先，从两党制中产生出来的执政党不能充分代表民意。英国两党制是由英国的选举制度作保障的。英国现行选举制度是单选区出线制，以大选中获议席多少定胜负，而不是依选票情况。这就造成这样一种矛盾现象：有时反对党所得选票反而会超过执政党，其次，两党制对小党的成长、发展极为不利。小党在选举中的得票率同其在下院所得席位不成比例。第三，两党制造成英国政治上的保守。最后，两党制促进了英国公众中的政治冷淡主义倾向。两大垄断政权，使得许多对两党都不喜欢的人无从选择。在大选中，一部分这种人把选票投给了他较不讨厌的那个大党，而相当一部分选民根本就不参加投票。投票率低是英国的一个突出现象。尽管投票率在整个西方国家都有下降趋势，但英国属于最低的国家之一。
今年的英国大选，打破了两党制传统。
第三篇：美国概况习题
美国概况
Part One Geography
Chapter IIPopulation
Exercises
New York is the largest state in the US.(T/F)
Why is the U.S.A.called “Melting Pot”?
Answers
F(Alaska)
Because the U.S.A.is country where there are many different races, and these races mixed and assimilated after they
immigrated into this country “Melting Pot” just signifies this mixture and assimilation.Chapter VReligion in the U.S.A.Exercises
The popular American belief is___
A.part-time working
B.self-made man
C.manual labor
D.being extravagant
The largest religious group in America is___
A.Roman CatholicsB.Protestants
C.OrthodistsD.Presbyterians
the American spirit of “do-it-yourself”:
Answers
BB
the American spirit of “do-it-yourself”:
People are proud of doing everything by themselves.Most of the American families seldom hire people to do housework though they are rich.They try to do what they can do, such as housework, gardening and they enjoy doing them.Part twoHistory
Chapter IColonization of North America
Exercises
The history of the U.S.is generally agreed to have begun in the year of ____
A.1620B.1607C.1776D.1492
The turning point of the War of Independence was the Battle of ___in 1777.A.YorktownB.Saratoga
C.Bunker HillD.Lexington
Lexington Fire was the ___of American War of Independence
A.turning pointB.endingC.causeD.prelude
Answers
BBD
Chapter IVThe American Civil War(1861-1865)
Exercises
Abraham Lincoln
In 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected president, an anti-slavery president.He played a very important measures.One
was the Homestead Bill, the other was Emancipation Proclamation in every field.In 1864, he was reelected president.He was assassinated in April 13,1865.He saved the Union and most Americans considered him a great national hero.Homework
Why was there the New Deal program? What was it? And how did it aid the recovery of the American economy? What important measures did Abraham Lincoln take during the Civil War? How do you evaluate them?
Chapter VThe U.S.Imperialism and the First World War
Exercises
The first imperialist war took place between theU.S.and ___in 1898.A.BritainB.FranceC.SpainD.Mexico
The “Big Stick” Policy was advanced by President___.A.Theodore RooseveltB.Franklin Roosevelt
C.William MckinleyD.Thomas Woodrow Wilson
President Franklin D.Roosevelt proposed a well-knownpolicy called___ to save the economic situation.A.the Open Door PolicyB.the New Deal
C.Good Neighbor PolicyD.the “Big Stick”
AnswersCAB
PartTheresociallife
Chapter IIICustoms and Traditions
Exercises
Easter:
Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon, in March or in April.It commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus.The custom of dying eggs is very popular among children.The main meat on Easter Sunday are lamb and ham. Thanksgiving Day:
It falls on the fourth Thursday of November.It is a holiday on which God is thanked for the crops which have been safely gathered. Abraham Lincoln
In 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected president, an anti-slavery president.He played a very important
measures.One was the Homestead Bill, the other was Emancipation Proclamation in every field.In 1864, he was reelected president.He was assassinated in April 13,1865.He saved the Union and most Americans considered him a great national hero.
第四篇：概况试题-美国
1、Puritanism
Puritans were those who followed the doctrine of John Calvin and wanted to purify the Church of England.They believe that human beings were predestined by God before they were born.Some were God's chosen people while others were damned to hell.No church nor good works could save people.The sign of being God's elect was the success in his work or the prosperity in his calling.They also argued that everyone must read the Bible in order to find God's will and establish a direct contact with God.These beliefs had great impact on American culture.2.the American Revolution
Between 1689 and 1815, france and Britain fought Seven Years’ war, and North American was drawn into everyone of them.Britain’s victory led directly to a conflict with its American colonies.The British government argued that Britain had spent large sums of money to defend their American colonies in those wars, and that the colonists therefore should pay a part of those expenses.So the british government began to charge new taxes.But the colonists refused to obey the british laws and cry” no taxation without representation”.On April 19,1775,the first shot was fired when 700 British soldiers went to capture a colonial arms depot in a small town of Concord near Boston.The American War of Independence began.And the war came to an end in 1781 with the victory of north american.The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783 and Britian had to recognize the independence of the United States.A new nation was thus born.3.the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was mainly drafted by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Congress on July 4,1776,when the people of 13 English colonials in North America were fighting for their freedom and independence from the British colonial rule.The document declared that all men were equal and that they were entitled to have some unalienable rights such as life,liberty and the pursuit of happiness.It also explained the philosophy of government:the powers of governments came from the consent of the governed and the purpose of governments were to secure the rights mentioned above.The theory of politics and the guiding principles of the American Revolution mainly came from John Locke.4.American Constitution
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America.The Constitution is the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United States.The Constitution creates the three branches of the national government: a legislature, the bicameral Congress;an executive branch led by the President;and a judicial branch headed by the Supreme Court.The Constitution specifies the powers and duties of each branch.The Constitution reserves all unenumerated powers to the respective states and the people, thereby establishing the federal system of government.5.checks and balances
When Americans talk about their three-part national government, they often refer to what they call its system of “checks and balances”.This system works in many ways to keep serious mistakes from being made by legislative branch or executive branch or judicial branch.6.Federalism
Federalism in the United States is the evolving relationship between state governments and the federal government of the United States.American government has evolved from a system of dual federalism to one of associative federalism.In “Federalist No.46,” James Madison asserted that the states and national government “are in fact but different agents and trustees of the people, constituted with different powers.” Alexander Hamilton, writing in “Federalist No.28,” suggested that both levels of government would exercise authority to the citizens' benefit: “If their [the peoples'] rights are invaded by either, they can make use of the other as the instrument of redress.”
7.the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments which were added to the Constitution in 1791.The Bill of Rights was passed to guarantee freedom and inpidual rights such as freedom of speech,the right to assemble in public places,the right to own weapons and so on.8.Political parties in the US
Political parties are organized groups of people who share a set of ideas about how the US should be governed and who work together to have members of their group elected in order to influence the governing of the country.today ,the US has two major political parties.one in the Democratic Party,which evolved out of Thomas Jefferson's party,formed before 1800.the symbol of the party is the donkey.the other is the Republican Party,which was formed in the 1850s,and its symbol is the elephant.9、the roots of affluence in America
No single factor is responsible for the success of American business and industry.Bountiful resources,the geographical size of the country and population trends have all contributed to these success.Religious,social and political traditions;the institutional structures of government and business;and the courage,hard work and determination of countless entrepreners and workers have also played a part.10.American industrial revolution
After independence, America was principally an agricultural country.The industrial revolution in England brought many changes to American industry between 1776 and 1860.One key development was the introduction of the factory system.A second development was the “American system” of mass production.A third development was the application of new technologies to industrial task.A fourth development was the emergence of new forms of business organization—the bank and the corporation.11.Civil Rights Movement
The civil rights movement was a worldwide political movement for equality before the law occurring between approximately 1950 and 1980.In many situations it took the form of campaigns of civil resistance aimed at achieving change by nonviolent forms of resistance.In some situations it was accompanied, or followed, by civil unrest and armed rebellion.The process was long and tenuous in many countries, and many of these movements did not fully achieve their goals although, the efforts of these movements did lead to improvements in the legal rights of previously oppressed groups of people.12.Martin luther King
Martin Luther King, Jr.(January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.He is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.King is often presented as a heroic leader in the history of modern American liberalism.A Baptist minister, King became a civil rights activist early in his career.He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, serving as its first president.King's efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.There, he expanded American values to include the vision of a color blind society, and established his reputation as one of the greatest orators in American history.13.Counterculture
In the wake of the Free Speech Movement and the New Left,there appeared a phenomenon that historians called the “counterculture.”the counterculture rejected capitalism and other American principles.they had morals different from those taught by their parents.some groups of youth tried to construct different ways of life.among the most famous were the hippies.they sought new experience through dropping out,and drug taking.but it was music,rock music in particular,that became the chief vehicle for the counter cultural assault on the traditional American society.the counterculture exerted a great influence upon people's attitudes toward social morals,marriage,career and success.14、Hippies
The hippies called themselves “the love generation.” Hippiness became their only goal in life.Their music was different from any other music, and the words they sang sounded rebellious to older people.Small groups of youth lived together in cities like San Francisco,turning their lives into one big party.They wore long hair,strange and colorful clothes and many of them used drugs.They went in huge numbers to rock music concerts, and tyey made very interesting news on TV.15.Multiculturalism in Canada
Multiculturalism in Canada was adopted as the official policy of the Canadian government during the prime ministership of Pierre Elliot Trudeau in the 1970s and 1980s.The Canadian government has often been described as the instigator of multicultural ideology because of its public emphasis on the social importance of immigration.Multiculturalism is reflected in the law through the Canadian Multiculturalism Act and section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
第五篇：美国健身器材市场概况
以下为周先生提供的SNEW调研的部分资料：
每年SNEW健身零售商调研都讲述了关于这个产业以及该产业的发展和该产业的健康状况。在调查中，当问到：在您看来，在该产业哪个是“最好”的供应商？根据统计排名如下：
Octane – 27.4%
Life Fitness – 20.9%
Precor – 16.1%
True Fitness – 9.7%
Body Solid – 8.1%
Inspire – 6.5%
销售前三名的家庭健身品牌时，排名如下；
Body-Solid – 14.3%
BodyCraft – 13.1%
Hoist – 12.8%
Inspire – 12.5%
Life Fitness – 11.2%
TuffStuff – 10.6%
Precor – 8.5%
Vectra – 6.4%
Torque – 5.2%
家庭健身的产品中，Body-Solid是大赢家，跨过其他公司取得第一的位置，在票选中，美国人认为Body-Solid在经济低迷中的大环境中却做了一些非常正确的事。
对于免维护训练器卖得最好的品牌，以下为排行榜：
Body-Solid – 24.6%
Hoist Fitness –11.3%
PowerBlock – 10.7%
TuffStuff – 10.4%
USA/Troy – 7.1%
BodyCraft – 4.2%
从以上调查结果可以看出，Body-Solid在过去的一年中，取得了非常好的成绩。
以下部分是查到的美国健身器材市场的概况：
据SGMA美国体育用品制造商协会的一项调查，2009年销售额增长最快的运动项目前5名将包括：健身走、长曲棍球、跑步、有氧训练和野营。
这个报告中还指出：美国2008年体育用品产业总值达663亿美元，比2007年减少了3.2%。SGMA在一篇声明中表示：去年上半年，能源、劳工、原材料和交通费用的巨大变动对生产商的成本结构产生了很大影响；去年下半年，整个社会的经济危机又导致消费者需求减少
自从2003年以来，这是美国体育用品产业的增长第一次没有超过国内生产总值增长率（2008年GDP比上年增长了1.1%）。但是体育用品产业比其他耐用消费品产业（2008年合成GDP比上年下降了7%）的表现要好多了。
SGMA认为科技是有助于未来销售额增长的一个重要因素。科夫说：“美国现在正在面临肥胖危机，电脑和游戏机等使许多人养成了久坐的生活方式。但与此同时，把科技应用到体育产品中也就能大大地提高消费者的兴趣和需求。我们的报告表明应用了新科技的创新型产品将在重新推动产业增长中发挥重要作用。另外，我们相信如果生产商和零售商能更好地利用新媒体与消费者相联系，将能更大程度地提高自己的竞争力。”
2008年回顾：
2008年运动服产业（批发）产值为289亿美元，比2007年的295亿美元下降了2.0%。虽然需求还是很旺盛，但很多消费者更倾向于买便宜的运动服了。从好的方面来看，自2000年以来，运动服销售增长了24.6%。近年来，消费者比较喜欢能提供压力、湿气管理和温度控制的高性能织物，这也是运动服产业得以发展的基本所在。
在体育器材方面，增长最快的是猎枪弹具（25.4亿美元，增长了10%）、渔具（19.3亿美元，增长了10%）、光学用品（12.1亿美元，增长了7.5%）、冰球（2.18亿美元，增长了5.9%）和野营用具（17.4亿美元，增长了3.3%）。野营流行起来的一部分原因是因为很多家庭用远足野营的方式替代了昂贵的旅游。健身器材依然是体育用品中最重要的一支。
2008年，美国健身器材批发销售额为42亿美元，比上一年下降了10.1%。这个下降反映了美国消费者不再愿意购买昂贵的家用器材，美国直线下降的房产业也开始影响到了健身市场。目前，可供选择种类较多的用户友好型以及性别友好型的器材是维持健身行业发展的希望。
美国体育用品制造商协会（SGMA）预测，2010年美国体育、健身和休闲产业将呈单位数增长。根据SGMA最新发布的《2010体育用品产业报告》，美国2009年体育用品批发销售额近720亿美元，连续第二年下降（2008年为750亿美元）。尽管如此，SGMA认为2010年的前景还是很乐观的，预计增幅将在2%到4.5%之间。而拉动产业增长的主力将是运动鞋和健身器材。
而在这两个大类别中最受欢迎的将分别是跑鞋和跑步机。《2010体育用品产业报告》主要讨论了体育用品产业的经营和体育参与度的发展趋势，主要内容如下：
2010年的变化
今年，体育用品产业的零售商和制造商成功与否将受到很多外在因素的影响：
电子商务：无论对于零售商还是对于直接卖产品给消费者的制造商来说，互联网都将成为一种更为重要的收入来源。互联网相比于传统的店面零售渠道，有无限的“货架”空间，还能提供免销售税等形式的折扣。而且许多零售商还要求供应商承担运费。
体育消费将增长：2009年，有25%的“核心”体育参与者表示他们对体育产品和装备的消费比2008年要少。相比之下，2010年，23%的“核心”体育参与者计划增加体育消费，13%表示计划重新加入体育俱乐部。
商店品牌畅销：越来越多的零售商开始加大营销自己的品牌，这会造成零售商与供应商之间的关系紧张。作为回应，很多供应商也开始直接面向个人销售。
保证货源供应：劳动力、运输和原材料成本的上涨给供应链管理带来了一些阻碍。而“当即订购”已经越来越成为一种被广泛接受的商业模式，因此这会给每个公司的供应链管理带来压力，要求做到迅速、有效、经济。
体育参与度方面的趋势是值得关注的。
老年人增多：健身产业把增长的希望放在了“婴儿潮时期出生的人”（即年龄为45到63岁之间的人）身上。这一代人的数量大约有7700万，一般认为是他们引领了健身运动，因此他们也成为了健身俱乐部和家用健身器材销售的主要目标。
健身“追星族”：健身俱乐部中社会性活动的参与度正在上升。比较有特色的活动包括高冲击有氧操（增长8.1％）、低冲击有氧操（增长6.3％）和有氧踏板操（增长4.5％）。
“公路战士”：近4400万美国人正通过慢跑来保持健康，比2008年的数量增长了6.7%。有4000多万美国人通过骑自行车保持身材，比2008年上涨了5.3%。这两项活动不用高昂的花费、容易实施，也不用加入任何俱乐部，因此受到了越来越多人的喜爱。
场地运动：从2000年到现在，网球的参与度提高了43%。而有氧网球（一种以回合为基础的侧重健身塑形的网球玩法）的参与度仅从2008年开始到现在就增长了40%。
“一日”活动：诸如皮划艇和一日远足等户外活动，可以在住所附近进行，而且花费相对低廉，正受到越来越多的欢迎。
团体运动：团体运动是体育用品产业的一个重要部分。从2008年开始，冰球和长曲棍球的参与度都持续上涨。而大部分其他团体运动的参与度也保持了基本稳定。
★ 美国体育用品制造商联合会：健身器械整体销售下降
近二十年来首次出现所有的健身器械行业整体销售下降的现象，这是根据美国体育用品制造商联合会的“2009年健身设备市场调查”报告得出。根据报告得知，在某些项目的参与人数上出现了上升趋势。
2008年健身器械行业整体销售额为42亿美元——包括家用，俱乐部，学校，医院和酒店等所有机构的健身器械销售额。根据美国体育用品制造商联合会报告，2007年的整体销售额为47亿美元，依然好于2004年的42亿和2000年39亿。家用器械开始有缩水的趋势，以及2008年的经济危机，缓慢的经济趋势影响下，2008年健身器械行业整体销售额下行。
经济危机使得健身产业也受到影响，美国体育用品制造商联合会主席Tom Cove在发布会上说到：“但是因为人们已经认识到了规律性锻炼对于身体健康的益处，所以我们相信健身行业在经济好处后能够再次壮大，家用器械也有增长。”
跑步机和椭圆机依然占据销售的主力，分别是8.7亿美元和6.8美元。
小型健身装备，手持重力器械和运动垫在2008的销量都有所增长，而与之对应的有氧和力量参与运动人数也从17%增长到28%。
在美国最流行的五项运动项目是：健身走，跑步机上跑步，杠铃/哑铃(及其他手持重力器械)训练，快走/慢跑，组合力量器械训练。
一年中单项参与人数增长最多的项目是有氧踏板(2007对比2008)，增长了21%，从2007年的850,0000人增长为10,300000人。
在参与运动的核心群体(坚持某项锻炼超过两个月甚至一年)中，近30%的运动者年龄超过55岁。
水上项目和太极的运动参与者中，年龄在65岁以上的要超过其他任何的项目。
根据IHRSA的数据显示，家庭健身市场大约是各类俱乐部等机构类市场的三倍，美国2008年
各类健身健康俱乐部的会员有4540,0000人。
★ 根据美国体育用品协会一项调查显示
2009年，美国二手体育用品销售总额为9.52亿美元，同比下降2%，2008年同期为9.69亿美元，2007年同期为10.8亿美元，2006年同期为10.1亿美元。在某些产品类别中，购买的单位数量是相当可观的，比如健身器材，过去一年中销售65万脚踏车车和健身自行车。每辆脚踏车的平均价格为125美元，而每辆健身自行车平均价格为65美元。
2009年，户外装备如露营、钓鱼和射击等二手装备销售额为5.92亿美元，比2007年同比下降7%。二手健身器材销售额为1.8亿美元，同比上涨14%。
★ 美国体育用品协会信息调查部门副主席Thomas B.Doyle表示
“过去两年的二手装备销售额下降以及顾客对现有设备的更换反映了目前经济状况，目前的装备质量是这样：在一个季节中使用，但是到下一个季节就要更换。”
★ 根据美国体育用品协会一项调查显示
2009年，美国运动鞋类产品销售总额为171亿美元，同比下降1%，08全年销售总额为172亿美元，2007全年销售总额为175亿美元。销售额最大的鞋类产品是步行鞋，销售总额为44亿美元，同比上涨5%，08全年全年销售总额为42亿美元。
跑鞋和慢跑鞋的销售额为25.4亿美元，同比上涨5%，08全年销售额为23亿美元。越野跑鞋销售额为15.3亿美元，同比下降6%。远足鞋/靴子销售总额为8.73亿美元，同比下降16%，08全年销售总额为10.4亿美元。运动鞋/凉鞋销售总额为25.4亿美元，同比下降4%，08全年为26.4亿美元。时尚运动凉鞋销售总额为8.38亿美元，同比下降2%。
★ 美国体育用品协会调研部副主席Thomas B.Doyle表示
“随着越来越多的人加入步行行列，步行鞋的销量有所上涨，目前参与步行的美国人超过9000万。尽管目前经济不是很景气，然而人们还是愿意购买运动鞋，步行鞋的平均价格同比上涨2%。”
Life Fitness：在120个国家有130多家经销商，在全世界有经营超过400多种产品，其下有品牌Life Fitness, Life Fitness Sport, ParaBody, Hammer strength，现在公司最大的竞争对手是Cybex International, Inc.Icon Health & Fitness, Inc.Nautilus, Inc.2010年第一季度的销售额为1.19亿美元，同比去年一季度的数据1.186亿美元略有上升。
Cybex International, Inc.净销售额2009年第一季度的2890万美金下降到2010年第一季度的2610万美金，下降10%，2009年第一季度净亏损为140万美金到2010年的净亏损为80万美金。
2010年预期美国健身器材市场最大的消费为2块：跑步机预计能销售达US$10.027亿，椭圆机类产品预计销售US$9.13亿。
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