1. Government and Economics

2. Constitutional Monarchy Since early 1700s Elizabeth II Head of State is Queen In GB the Parliament is made up of two chambers: The House of Commons and The House of Lords

3. David Cameron

4. Parliament selects the prime minister P.M. is not elected by popular vote normally the head of majority party Cabinet responsibility to parliament major legislation voters Parliament Majority party Minority party Prime minister & cabinet

5. Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg Fought over by foreign powers because of physical position Originally tied to Soviet Union and communism After WWII Became free politically with creation of European Union. Economy Belgium Chocolate, diamond cutting, carpets Netherlands Seaports, natural gas off coast Luxembourg Highest GDP in world - $34,200 International banking most important

6. Three key players The Council of the European Union Voice of the Member States The European Parliament Voice of the people The European Commission Promoting the common interest

7. Organization of countries interested in economic and political cooperation Est. 1993, but dates back to 1950s Made up of 27 member states Located in Brussels, Belgium Rotate President among member States every six months Herman Van Rompuy Current President

8. Make decisions representing each State’s point of view. Decides on foreign policy issues. Trade freely Free Travel – no passport Funds infrastructure Roads, bridges, etc. Environmental laws

9. Summit of heads of state and government of all EU countries Held  at least 4 times a year Sets the overall guidelines for EU policies President: Herman Van Rompuy

10. How EU laws are made Parliament and Council of Ministers: decide jointly Commission and Court of Justice: monitor implementation National or local authorities: implement Citizens, interest groups, experts: discuss, consult Commission: makes formal proposal

12. Created by EU 18/27 countries use UK and Sweden do not use Major step towards integration for Europe $1.37 US = 1 Euro

13. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v =LC6R3Qs9lqI http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v =LC6R3Qs9lqI turn on CC so students can read

14. One of most prominent members of EU Ruhr Valley Major industrial area Medical equipment Automobiles Coal/iron ore

15. Diversified economy Economy Farming 2 nd to US in exports Wine World’s leading producer Fashion Design One of most productive workers in the world 35 hr. work week One month vacations

16. Some countries poor after fall of communism Bankruptcy and Unemployment Greece and Italy Massive Immigration Ethnicities clashing Ex. Spain and France Poor infrastructure Roads, bridges, and canals