1. Constitution essay Handed in (or due today) Overtime Dale Abigail
Ellis
Abdi
Hanah
Allan
Humza
Clinton
Loretta
Tolu
Shaquille
Troy
Tanique
Daniel

2. Constitution question
‘The UK constitution is becoming increasingly codified’. Discuss. ‘The UK constitution should be codified’. Discuss.

3. Essay structure
INTRO
This is your summary answer to the exam question. It does not require detail but must contain a nuanced judgment. P1
Point + evidence
Counterpoint + evidence
Balanced judgment linked to the question P2
As above P3
CONC
This is your final thought on the question. Here you will typically summarise your overall argument and slightly extend the argument made in your Introduction.

4. Practice questions
‘The European Commission remains the dominant institution in the process of EU policy making.’ Discuss. (25)
‘The European Parliament has seen a gradual increase in its power and authority.’ Discuss. (25)
‘Allegations of a “democratic deficit” within the European Union are more justifiable in the case of some of its institutions than in others.’ Discuss. (25)

5. Can Democracy Work? Radio 4 Hosted by Nick Robinson
am Tuesdays and online

6. The European Commission The European Council The European Court of Justice

7. Wait a minute … How many presidents?
President of the European Council (since 1 December 2014, Donald Tusk)
President of the European Commission (since 1 November 2014, Jean-Claude Juncker)
President of the European Parliament (since 1 July 2014, Martin Schulz)
Presidency of the Council of the European Union (since 1 January 2015, Latvia)

8. The European Commission
Executive arm of the EU
Has the sole right to initiate draft legislation (except foreign and security)
Administers EU expenditure and collects revenue
Acts as guardian of EU treaties
Represents EU on world stage (e.g. Trade)
Also acts as civil service for EU – 23,000 officials
Its ‘political face’ is the president of the commission (Jean-Claude Junker) and the College of Commissioners

9. The European Commission
President
Appointed by qualified majority vote (QMV) in the European council. Serves 5 year term. Allocates jobs within the College and can reshuffle posts. Provides leadership, but needs support of member states.
College of Commissioners
Commissioners meet in the College to discuss proposed legislation. 27 commissioners. Not national representatives and must be impartial. European Parliament votes on whether to approve the college as a whole. They are given portfolios of one area of EU activity. British national in college is Catherine Ashton, who is also the Vice President.
Directorates-general
Commission divided into administrative units. There are 23 of these. Each covers particular policy areas (e.g. agriculture)

10. The European Council
Meeting place of heads of government and foreign ministers
Also attended by President of European Commission and European Council
Lisbon treaty created permanent post of president of the European Council selected by the Council for a renewable 2 ½ year term
Former Polish PM, Donald Tusk, is its second president
Political body – not legislative (was separated from Council of Ministers in Lisbon Treaty 2007)

11. Functions and powers
The European Council is the EU’s key strategic body; it gives member states influence over the Commission
Set the agenda and direction of the EU
Discuss major issues in the EU and in international affairs
Make key decisions of foreign and economic policy
Launch new policy initiatives and agree treaty changes

12. The Council of Ministers
Main decision making body of the EU
Ministers from the member states take key decisions on EU legislation
‘Team Presidency’ was created by the Lisbon Treaty = 3 states share presidency for 18 months (UK 2017 with Estonia and Bulgaria)
Part of EU Legislature (shares with EU Parliament) but proposals must come from European Commission
Takes key decisions on common, economic and security policy

13. The Council of Ministers
General Affairs
Includes national foreign ministers.
Council deals with issues that cut across policy areas (e.g. Should EU enlarge?)
Foreign Affairs
National foreign ministers and chaired by High Representative
– Foreign, Security and Defence policy
Economic and Finance Affairs
National finance ministers.
Budgetary and financial matters
Agriculture/Fisheries
Deals with largest areas of EU expenditure

14. To get approved a proposal must be backed:
FIRSTLY backed by majority of member states
SECONDLY backed by 255 votes from a total of 345
An efficient way of taking decisions in a large 27 member EU – BUT problems will clearly arise.
2014 – There will be changes – Lisbon treaty has replaced QMV with ’Double majority’ system – a qualified majority is reached when 55% of member states representing 65% of EU population vote for a proposal.

16. European Court of Justice
Consists of three courts
Court of Justice
General Court
Civil Service Tribunal
First court is most significant
has one judge from each member state
BUT cases only heard by three or five

17. European Court of Justice
Upholds EU law
Decides cases involving member states, EU institutions, businesses and individuals
National courts can ask the court for a ruling on EU law
Decisions have had a major impact on role and strength of EU
Costa vs. ENEL (1964) – ruled that Community law can not be over-ridden by national law
Cassis de Diron Case (1979) – Paved the way for the single European market