Clearing Up Any Confusion Mock E.u. Clearing Up Any Confusion

Let’s simplify the assignment Forget your specific role, ie: Minister of Agriculture, Justice, or Human Rights Don’t forget any research you’ve already done – it is still useful You will now all be MEPs – Members of the European Parliament who represent your assigned country and whose job it is to pass or deny new laws

okay…What does that mean? A lot The European Union is complicated. That is why we are simplifying it. You will do your best to act like a member of the European Parliament – meaning you will have to develop a political opinion and vote with your group

Right… how do I do that? Form an opinion based on new laws presented to the class during the activity. Your opinion will be a mixture of what you know and what you feel. In other words, an educated personal opinion. Consider what you know Consider how you feel Weigh the two and come to a decision Using your new-found educated personal opinion, you will vote on each issue presented to the class after discussing it within the group. The group must give a unified vote. YES or NO

Ultimately… Right… how do I do that? Consider what is best for your country Consider what is best for the European Union Consider what might be unpopular but still a good decision Weigh these considerations and make a decision

European parliament Parliament CAN NOT Does NOT have legislative initiative Can not propose (suggest) new laws Can only vote on laws presented to the Parliament Parliament CAN NOT Declare war Remove a member state Perform any act of aggression or mean-spirited proposals

Voting on a bill New bills contain multiple laws Vote on each law in a bill – remove denied laws – then vote on the whole bill after it is edited For a bill to pass it must receive an ABSOLUTE MAJORITY of votes – 50% +1

Voting on a bill - example Warsaw Directive 93 Member states must increase funding to fight human trafficking Member states that struggle with funding will be supported by wealthier member states Member states who fail to increase funding will be fined

MEP – Member of the European Parliament MEPs are elected by the citizens of their country Each MEP belongs to a European political party – just like USA Each party has its own beliefs MEPS from one country can be from different parties Example: France can have conservative AND liberal MEPS in the Parliament

And what does this all mean for me? You will be playing the part of an elected MEP representing your country You will discuss your decision within your group Your group will present a single YES or NO vote You MUST give a reason for your vote. “Yes/No because…” You must have reasonably detailed response “Yes. Germany likes this bill” or anything similar is a BAD response “Yes, because the MEPs of Germany agree that this bill will help keep Germany and the European Union safe, which is our top priority” is a GOOD response. Your responses should vary – not always be the same

How will it actually work? A bill will be displayed using the projector – just like the example It will be explained by the teacher to ensure understanding Groups (countries) will have 10 minutes to discuss each part of the bill How you will vote Why you are voting that way Groups (countries) will take turns giving their vote and explaining their reasoning

So what do I have to do? Light independent research about the condition of your country – you are not turning anything in Read a few recent news articles Read information about economy and social issues Coordinate with your group to ensure everyone is finding good information – SHARE WHAT YOU FIND

What will help me do well? Work WITH your group Make some reference notes Print things out

How is this being graded? As a TEST grade based on preparedness and participation You will be graded INDIVIDUALLY based on how much you contribute to your group and participate Your group members will score your participation – so don’t slack off

How do I do well? Show up prepared Actively engage in the discussion of issues within your groups and BE HELPFUL Make sure your group is on track and gives good responses

What will hurt my grade? Being unprepared Holding casual conversations I will be taking note of those who do Talking while another group is giving their vote Doing ANYTHING other than participating in the activity Sleeping – you know who you are

Questions?