北理工专项英语选修课吕秋凝美国社会与文化课堂问题答案

1. What is the essence of the Protestant heritage? Religions Freedom to have diversity so denominations can “live and let live”to shape their values and beliefs.

2. How does business competition reinforce other basic American values?

It reinforces individual freedom, equality of opportunity, and hard work.

3. List three American wedding customs.

○1Wedding in church.○2Exchange vows.

○3Exchange Rings.

4. What are the three branches of the federal government and their responsibilities?

○1Congress---The two houses creates laws for the governments representing each state equality.

○2President---Heads on carrying out the law of the country.

○3Supreme Court---Settles disputes about exact meaning of the law in court.

5. Why do some people describe American culture as

a “salad bowl”?

The U.S. is considered to be a mix of many cultures

of immigrants that have mixed into American society by still retaining their own characteristics of their own origin.

6. What are the characteristics of the dominant American culture?

It was English-speaking, western European, Protestant, and middle class in character.

7. What are the three values that are traditionally associated with the frontier heritage? Individualism, self-reliance, and equality of opportunity have perhaps been the values most closely associated with the frontier heritage of America.

8. What could be the qualities of a “well-rounded” student under American education system?

They could be educated in the Arts, Humanities, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, (STEM) and Fitness to ensure a healthy and well-rounded student.

9. Why did the American Constitution adopt the policy of “separation of church and state”?

The government was forbidden to establish a national church; no denomination can be favored over the others.

10. How do you understand the saying “What’s above the ground is more important than what is beneath the ground?”

It is about equality of opportunity. No matter your wealth, in the frontier individual freedom, self-reliance, and opportunities for success was available for all. 11. What are the major differences between public schools and private schools?

Public schools are Government Provided school that is free for all American students and Private schools are tuition-based schools for students offering them a better education to attend better universities.

13. What are three American engagement customs? ○1Man gets on one knee in front of woman.

○2Propose to woman. ○3Give her a Diamond Rings. 14. What are the two major political parties in the United States? What is the main difference in their beliefs?

Republican Party believed in free enterprise system which favored little or no government regulation, but Democratic Party believed in government regulated businesses to help protect consumers and workers.