1. THE EUROPEAN UNION
How does the structure of government within the EU compare with the structure of government in the United States?

2. Growth of the EU
1952
1973
1981
1986
1990
1995
2004
2007

3. Promoting the common interest
Three key players
The European
Commission
Promoting the common interest

4. European Parliament voice of the people
Voice of European citizens.
Members elected for five-year terms.
With the Council, passes EU laws and adopts EU budgets.
Approves EU Commissioners.

5. Council of the European Union voice of the member states
One minister from each EU country
Presidency: rotates every six months
Decides EU laws and budget together with Parliament
Manages the common foreign and security policy

6. The European Commission
promoting the common interest
Proposes new legislation
Manages and implements
EU policies and budget
Guardian of the treaties
Represents the EU on the
international stage
27 independent members, one from each EU country

7. The European Court of Justice
upholding the law
Rules on how to interpret EU law
Ensures EU countries apply EU laws in the same way
27 independent judges, one from each EU country

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

9. The European Central Bank
managing the euro
Ensures price stability
Controls money supply and decides interest rates
Works independently from governments

10. The Euro

11. Activity
Create a public-relations package presenting either positive or negative reasons for a unified Europe.
It should include:
a letter that briefly summarizes the student’s position,
a bumper sticker with a slogan, and
a poster or leaflet that could be placed in a store window or town library.