Although both the United Kingdom and the United States have a constitution, there are slight differences in how it is applied. In the United States, the Constitution is considered a codified document. It also acts as the law of the land and contains rules that everyone must follow.
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In the UK, the Constitution is not considered to be the supreme legal document, as it is generally considered to be a body of common law. It does not have the highest legal authority.
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Alcoholic beverages are consumed in both the United States and the United Kingdom. However, the drinking age is different in the two countries. Americans can legally start drinking at age 21.
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However, British teenagers may start drinking earlier. They can legally consume alcohol from the age of 18. Britons traveling to the United States could get the shock of their lives if they are not allowed to drink anything - not even a pint - in a bar.
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Brits who are not used to American tipping rules might be surprised to find that excessive tipping seems normal. People in the UK find it strange that Americans want to tip everyone. In the United States, doormen, taxi drivers, beauticians, and most service personnel expect to be tipped.
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In the UK, however, tips are handled differently. People expect to be tipped only in certain establishments like hotels, restaurants, and after a haircut. After all, the British believe that many pounds do not grow on trees.
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Americans are used to free top-ups. In addition to the large portions of food offered in restaurants, customers can also refill drinks in unlimited quantities. While this may be why the United States has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, Americans aren't going to stop doing it anytime soon.
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However, things are different on the other side of the great pond, where refills are almost unheard of. The British consume what they get, no more and no less. They are also not used to receiving spare parts without paying for them.
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Social conformism is practiced in both the United States and Britain. As true as this is, there are many American social norms that the British would not dream of practicing.
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For example, when standing in line, Americans like to ask if they can skip the line. Some people like to allow it if they're not in a hurry. This practice is highly frowned upon in the UK. Never queue in the UK, even if you are buying something small compared to others.
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Foreigners who have just set foot on American shores may be surprised by the many television commercials advertising drugs. The British will probably find this detail very strange. But the United States is not alone. Also in New Zealand there are quite a few drug advertisements.
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The United States and New Zealand are two of the only countries in the world where it is legal to advertise prescription drugs directly to consumers. In the UK, at least, this practice is not allowed. It seems that the tea is more than enough to relieve even the most pressing ailments, at least most of the time.
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The people of the United States love their cars. Most of those who live in the suburbs depend on their cars to get everywhere. It is their main means of transportation. Sometimes a visit to a nearby park leads Americans to drive instead of walk.
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The British, on the other hand, like to walk. Although they also have a car, most prefer to walk to run an errand. This can be as simple as going to the grocery store or shopping at the drug store.
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Pancakes are not the most important meal of the day
The usual breakfast that most Americans like is pancakes. It is the first meal of the day and is especially appreciated by children. Pour a delicious syrup over their pancakes and many think it's heaven on a plate. But the British see it differently.
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Pancakes for breakfast are a rarity in the UK. It is not the usual family meal in the morning. Most only eat them on special occasions like Shrove Tuesday. So don't be surprised if there are no IHOPs in the British Isles.
Most Britons agree on one quality they see as positive about Americans: They are very friendly. The normally taciturn Britons admit they appreciate the charm of their American colleagues.
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Most Britons believe that Americans are more than willing to help anyone in need. They also admit that this trait is quite charming. Even if it's a stranger, Americans don't mind lending a hand. This character trait is not as widespread in the UK.
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If you walk into an American restaurant, you'll find a mountain of ice in most drinks. People in America seem obsessed with putting tons of ice in every drink. The same cannot be said for the British.
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In fact, most Europeans prefer drinks without ice. For them, a drink served at room temperature tastes much better than one drowned in ice. They believe that drinks taste better when they do not contain ice, which dilutes the flavor.
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