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Unit 3 – Europe Government and Economics
United Kingdom
• 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
H o use o f Lo rds T h e H o u se o f C o m m o ns
T h e Q ue en
Government
S e n io r M P -s
T h e y a ll fo rm the cab in e t
G o ve rnm en t de p artm e n ts
M e m b e rs o f th e Lo rds
P rim e m in is te r
David Cameron
Parliamentary system• 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
Benelux Countries • 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
The European Union (EU)• Three key players
The Council of the
European UnionVoice of the
Member States
The European ParliamentVoice of the
people
The European Commission
Promoting the common interest
European Union (EU)
• 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
Council of the European Union
• 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
Summit of the European Council
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
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
Euro• Created by EU • 18/27 countries use
• UK and Sweden do not use
• Major step towards integration for Europe• $1.37 US = 1 Euro
EU in action • http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_e
mbedded&v=LC6R3Qs9lqI• turn on CC so students can read
Germany
• One of most prominent members of EU
• Ruhr Valley•Major industrial area
• Medical equipment• Automobiles• Coal/iron ore
France• Diversified economy• Economy
• Farming• 2nd 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
Europe’s Economic Problems • 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