AP Comparative Government/ Politics

Despite the trend of devolution that is apparent in the UK (and other European nations as well), the exact opposite trend is simultaneously occurring internationally. The movement towards a supranational organization gaining more policy-making power in known as integration. This notion is most obvious example of this transition is the European Union (EU). It encourages states to pool their sovereignty in order to gain political, economic, and social clout.

League of Nations- formed shortly after the end WWI; ended with the outbreak of WWII; U.S.A. opted no to join United Nations- created at the end of WWII; 192 member nations as of 2009 (49 originally); membership is voluntary; has limited powers to maintain peace between member nations; Security Council can vote to enact peacekeeping missions in hotspots of turmoil; meant to be a resort against conflict instead of starting it World Trade Organization (WTO)- formed in 1995; fosters trade agreements and settles trade disputes; Russia is non-member The World Bank- formed in 1944; goal is to assist developing countries by providing loans with modest interest rates; “benefits the poor nations while being controlled by the rich” is main criticism

Maastricht Treaty (1991)- created the modern incarnation of the EU (evolved from previously implement, less substantial versions) The new version included elements that were previously omitted, such as broader jurisdiction into many areas that were previously totally controlled on a national level (security, transportation, etc.) Three Pillars of the EU- 1. Trade and economic matters ( European Central Bank; euro as universal currency; etc.) 2. Justice and home affairs (immigration; policy governing; judicial cooperation) 3. Common foreign and security policy ( common defense policy)

Originally began with 6 nations (27 currently) Many nations are up for invitation to EU membership (Turkey) With growth, issues arise (bigger organization, new rules) 3 criteria for membership: - stable democratic regime - market-based economy - accept EU laws/regulations Enlargement Fatigue European Union 2012

The Commission: -body has 27 members (one from each member nation) -Headed by a President and functions similar to a cabinet -Initiates new governmental programs -Does not take directions from national governments Jose Manuel Durao Barroso President of EU Commission

Herman Van Rompuy EU- President of Council Council of Ministers -Demonstrates the continuing power of the states -Head of governments meet every 6 months as European Council -Role of president rotated every six months until 2009, when it was lengthened to 2 ½ year term -Must pass legislative proposals by the commission in order to make them law

European Parliament -Historically has not held much power -Members are directly elected by constituents in their respective nations every five years (huge for autonomy) -Disproportionate representation for smaller states -May propose legislative amendments and reject proposals from the Council (often overruled)

European Court of Justice -Supreme Court of the EU (with power of Judicial Review) -Sometimes conflicts and supersedes doctrines in member states’ judicial codes -27 justices sit on court (one appointee from each member nation)

Create/maintain a single internal market- eliminating many international barriers to trade (tariffs, quotas, etc.) and allowing licensed practitioners to work in all member nations Union of monetary policy- phasing to the euro as the official currency of most member nations; gaining more control over setting interest rates and budgetary actions; recent recession highlights the innate resistance of member nations to hand over full monetary jurisdiction to the EU Common agricultural policies- almost half EU’s budget directed at agricultural revitalization; subsidies meant to assist in modernizing farms; expensive and ineffective

Common defense- came along after economic cohesion policies were enacted; allows for crisis management (at the discretion of each member state); no “European Army” Justice and home affairs- Treaty of Amsterdam (1997) helped establish the free movement of EU citizens throughout the union (visas and immigration); collaborative efforts in regards to police forces; many nations are not compelled to participate fully Terrorism- downside of easy transportation of persons and goods/services

European Constitution- began the process in 2004, but still not ratified today; intent was to consolidate the overlapping treaties that give the EU its authority; held up by France and the Netherlands in 2005 Lisbon Treaty- signed in place of the pending Constitution to consolidate still-active aspects of older treaties (defacto constitution). Elements include: - Stronger European Parliament- More involvement of National Parliaments - Clarification of EU/member relations- Withdrawal - Permanent EU President- Charter of Fundamental Rights

Debt Crisis- divide between north and south; restructuring (pros and cons);