Power and Politics (Napoleon Bonaparte)

Ways with words

Choose the correct meaning of the underlined word.

1. Many portraits of Napoleon show him with his right hand placed inside his coat.
   1. shape
   2. hairstyle
   3. sketch (✓)
   4. movement
2. Napoleon won one victory after another, defeating the Austrians in eighteen battles.
   1. beating (✓)
   2. joining
   3. fighting
   4. directing
3. Portrait painters thought this pose made men look more dignified.
   1. good-looking (✓)
   2. young
   3. intelligent
   4. energetic
4. They announced France a republic.
   1. officially declared (✓)
   2. informally decided
   3. put into practice
   4. voted into law
5. Napoleon conquered Austria in 1805.
   1. lost
   2. tried to control
   3. triumphed over (✓)
   4. attacked
6. There was no place to house his soldiers in the bitter Russian winter.
   1. difficult
   2. cold (✓)
   3. dark
   4. empty
7. Napoleon was humiliated when he was defeated.
   1. tortured
   2. punished
   3. confused
   4. shamed (✓)

Guess the meanings to these words from the text. Check in your dictionary and make sentences of your own.

1. violent: using or involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something
   Example sentence: The riots were sparked by a violent incident in which a police officer was caught on video assaulting a protester.
2. execute: carry out or perform (a task, plan, or duty)
   Example sentence: The CEO was responsible for executing the company's strategic plan.
3. ancient: very old; belonging to the distant past
   Example sentence: The ancient ruins of the Roman Empire are a popular tourist destination.
4. alliance: a union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations
   Example sentence: The alliance between the two countries has been successful in increasing trade and diplomatic relations.
5. brilliant: extremely clever or talented
   Example sentence: The brilliant scientist was awarded the Nobel Prize for her groundbreaking research.
6. genius: a person who is exceptionally intelligent or talented
   Example sentence: Einstein is considered a genius for his contributions to the field of physics.
7. consul: a diplomat appointed by a government to protect its interests and citizens in a foreign country
   Example sentence: The consul met with the foreign minister to discuss issues affecting their countries.
8. invading: entering and conquering a place by force
   Example sentence: The invading army captured the city after a long and bloody battle.

Find the meanings of the following noun phrases and use them in sentences.

1. Vice-President: a person who is second in rank to a president
   Example sentence: Kamala Harris is the current Vice-President of the United States.
2. Editor-in-chief: the person in charge of the editorial content of a newspaper, magazine, or other publication
   Example sentence: The editor-in-chief of the magazine was responsible for overseeing the content and direction of the publication.
3. Deputy Editor-in-Chief: a person who is second in rank to an editor-in-chief and assists in managing the editorial content of a publication
   Example sentence: The deputy editor-in-chief was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the magazine.
4. Deputy-Mayor: a person who is second in rank to a mayor and assists in the administration of a city or town
   Example sentence: The deputy-mayor was responsible for overseeing the city's budget and public works projects.
5. Joint-secretary: a person who is appointed to a position of responsibility jointly with another person
   Example sentence: The joint-secretary was responsible for managing the administration of the department.
6. Under-secretary: a person who is second in rank to a secretary and assists in the management of a department or organization
   Example sentence: The under-secretary was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the department.
7. Deputy-Prime Minister: a person who is second in rank to a prime minister and assists in the administration of a country or government
   Example sentence: The deputy-prime minister was responsible for overseeing the country's economic policies.
8. Vice-Chancellor: the person second in rank to a chancellor, especially in a university
   Example sentence: The vice-chancellor was responsible for overseeing the academic and administrative affairs of the university.
9. Attorney-general: the chief legal officer of a country or state
   Example sentence: The attorney-general was responsible for representing the government in legal matters.
10. Ex-president: a person who has previously held the office of president
    Example sentence: Barack Obama is an ex-president of the United States.
11. Sub-editor: a person who assists an editor in the management of a newspaper, magazine, or other publication
    Example sentence: The sub-editor was responsible for fact-checking and editing articles for the magazine.
12. Co-author: a person who has written a book or other document in conjunction with one or more other people Example sentence: The co-author contributed to the research and writing of the book.

Comprehension

Read the text and answer the questions.

a. Where was Napoleon from?

Napoleon was from the French island of Corsica.

b. Why did poor and middle-class people declare France a republic?

Poor and middle-class people declared France a republic because they were tired of paying heavy taxes so the king and his nobles could live in luxury.

c. When did Napoleon declare himself emperor of France?

Napoleon declared himself emperor of France in 1804.

d. What did he do when he ruled France?

When he ruled France, Napoleon improved the laws, reorganized the government and the Bank of France, built roads, and turned Paris into a beautiful city with wide streets, fine bridges, and beautiful buildings and monuments.

e. Which countries did he rule when he was the emperor?

Napoleon ruled Austria, Prussia, Spain, Holland, and Russia when he was the emperor.

f. What was the main cause of his destruction?

The main cause of Napoleon's destruction was his overextension of his army and resources in trying to conquer too many countries, which ultimately led to his defeat in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. One of the key factors in this overextension was Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812, which was a major military campaign that ultimately ended in failure.

g. How did his rule as emperor end in Europe?

Napoleon's rule as emperor in Europe ended when he was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

h. How could Napoleon have been an even greater ruler?

Napoleon could have been an even greater ruler if he had not tried to conquer too many countries and overextended his army. He could have focused on improving and modernizing France and establishing strong diplomatic relationships with other countries instead.

Critical thinking

What can be the qualities of a great leader? Can a great leader remain in power for long in a country? Discuss.

There are many qualities that are important for a great leader to possess. Some of these include:

1. Vision: A great leader should have a clear vision for the future and be able to inspire and motivate others to work towards that vision.
2. Decision-making skills: A great leader should be able to make sound decisions, even in difficult or uncertain situations.
3. Emotional intelligence: A great leader should be able to manage their own emotions and be aware of the emotions of others, which can help them to be effective in communication and conflict resolution.
4. Communication skills: A great leader should be able to effectively communicate their vision, goals, and expectations to others.
5. Integrity: A great leader should be honest, transparent, and consistent in their actions and words.
6. Adaptability: A great leader should be able to adapt to changing circumstances and be open to new ideas and approaches.
7. Empathy: A great leader should be able to understand and relate to the needs and concerns of others.

It is possible for a great leader to remain in power for a long time in a country, as long as they continue to exhibit these qualities and address the needs and concerns of their constituents. However, it is also important for a leader to be mindful of the potential dangers of staying in power for too long, such as the risk of becoming too entrenched and resistant to change. Ultimately, the length of a leader's tenure in power will depend on a variety of factors, including their own abilities and the circumstances of the country.

The 16th president of the USA, Abraham Lincoln said democracy is government of the people for the people and by the people. Do you think it is perfectly applicable in the present context of Nepal? Explain.

The concept of democracy as "government of the people for the people and by the people" as stated by Abraham Lincoln is a fundamental principle that is at the heart of democratic systems of government around the world. This concept suggests that the people should have a say in how they are governed and that their voices should be heard and respected by those in power.

In the present context of Nepal, it is important to recognize that democracy is a relatively new concept and is still in the process of development. Nepal transitioned to a democratic system of government in 1990, after centuries of monarchy and a decade of armed conflict. Since then, Nepal has made significant progress in establishing democratic institutions and practices and has held several free and fair elections.

However, like any democratic system, Nepal still faces challenges and limitations in fully realizing the ideal of "government of the people for the people and by the people." Some of these challenges include:

1. Inequality: Despite progress in increasing access to education and opportunities, Nepal still faces significant disparities in wealth, education, and access to resources among different groups. This can make it difficult for all voices to be heard and for all people to have an equal say in the decisions that affect them.
2. Corruption: Corruption remains a significant problem in Nepal, with high levels of perceived corruption in the government, police, and business sectors. This can undermine the integrity of democratic institutions and the trust of the general public in the government.
3. Political polarization: Nepal has a diverse and complex political landscape, with multiple parties and factions vying for power. This can lead to political polarization and difficulty in reaching consensus on key issues.
4. Weak institutions: Nepal's democratic institutions, such as the judiciary, civil service, and local governments, are still relatively weak and face challenges in fulfilling their mandates effectively. This can limit the ability of these institutions to hold the government accountable and ensure the protection of citizens' rights.
5. Limited access to information: The government and other institutions in Nepal often lack transparency, and there is a lack of access to information for the general public. This can make it difficult for citizens to hold the government accountable and participate fully in the democratic process.

In conclusion, by addressing these challenges and continuing to work towards greater transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, Nepal can continue to strengthen its democratic system and better realize the ideal of "government of the people for the people and by the people." Ultimately, the success of democracy in Nepal will depend on the efforts of all stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and the general public, to work towards a more inclusive and representative system of government.

Writing

Write an essay on Power and Politics in about 500 words.

Power and Politics

Power and politics are two closely related concepts that are central to understanding how societies are organized and governed. Power refers to the ability of individuals or groups to influence others and shape the decisions and actions of others, while politics refers to the process by which power is exercised and decisions are made within a society.

Power can take many forms, including economic, social, and political power. Economic power refers to the ability to control resources and wealth, while social power refers to the ability to influence others through one's social status, relationships, or reputation. Political power refers to the ability to make decisions and shape policies within a political system.

Political systems can vary widely, from autocratic systems in which a single leader holds all power, to democratic systems in which power is more evenly distributed and decision-making is more inclusive. In democratic systems, power is often exercised through representative institutions such as parliaments, where elected representatives make decisions on behalf of their constituents.

Politics is often seen as a competition for power, with different individuals or groups vying for influence and control. In this sense, politics can be seen as a process of negotiation and compromise, as different interests and perspectives are balanced and decisions are made that reflect the needs and desires of the broadest possible range of people.

The exercise of power and politics can have both positive and negative impacts on society. On the one hand, power can be used to promote the common good and advance the interests of the majority. On the other hand, power can also be used to further the interests of a small minority or to oppress and exploit others.

Political systems that are inclusive, transparent, and accountable are more likely to use power in a responsible and beneficial way. Conversely, political systems that are corrupt, opaque, or authoritarian are more prone to abuse power and undermine the welfare of the general public.

In conclusion, power and politics are central to the functioning of any society. How power is exercised and how decisions are made can have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the direction of a society as a whole. Ensuring that power is exercised responsibly and transparently is essential for building a fair and prosperous society.

Write a couple of paragraphs about a national hero who fought bravely in the Anglo-Nepal War.

Balbhadra Kunwar

One national hero who fought bravely in the Anglo-Nepal War was Balbhadra Kunwar. Balbhadra Kunwar was a brave and skilled warrior who served as a commander in the Nepalese army during the Anglo-Nepal War. He is particularly known for his role in the Siege of Nalapani, where he and his troops defended the fort of Nalapani against a much larger British force.

Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, Balbhadra Kunwar and his troops fought bravely and determinedly, using guerrilla tactics to hold off the British for several weeks. Their bravery and persistence eventually led to the British withdrawing from the siege, marking a major victory for the Nepalese army. In recognition of his bravery and leadership during the Siege of Nalapani, Balbhadra Kunwar was hailed as a national hero and is remembered to this day as a symbol of Nepal's resistance and determination. His legacy serves as a source of inspiration for all Nepalese, and he is remembered as one of the greatest heroes in the country's history.

Grammar

Fill in the blanks with may, must or can’t.

1. Matthew must be at home. I can see his bike in front of his home.
2. They may be coming tomorrow.
3. She can't speak French very well. She's only lived in Paris for two weeks.
4. My key is not in my pocket or on my desk so it must be in the drawer.
5. I saw him yesterday. He can't be abroad.
6. You got the job? That's great. You must be very delighted.
7. I may finish it by tomorrow if I stay at work all night, but I'm not sure.
8. Somebody is knocking on the door. It must be Sabina – she promised to come today.

Rewrite the following sentences using may/might, must or can’t.

a. I’m sure he’s not going to the cinema today.
b. Perhaps she knows the answer.
c. I’m sure he has a car.
d. I doubt if it rains later on.
e. Perhaps she wants to be alone.
f. I’m sure Harina is in her office.

Answer

a. He can't be going to the cinema today.
b. She might know the answer.
c. He must have a car.
d. It might not rain later on.
e. She might want to be alone.
f. Harina must be in her office.