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