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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Questions?