Chapter 11 - Understanding European Integration Flashcards
1
Q
Define federalism
A
A political system where power is constitutionally divided between federal and state authority
2
Q
Name 3 features of a federal system the EU has
A
- Different powers held by different levels of gov
- EU has primacy over national law
- Has its own budget
- Own currency
- European Commission negotiates treaties on behalf of states
- EU citizens directly represented by MEPs
3
Q
What makes the EU not federal?
A
- Members retain individual political systems
- Citizens identify with state not EU
- EU doesn’t have substantial power over taxation, health and defence policy etc
4
Q
Define Neo-functionalism
A
Interest groups and supranational bodies are the most important actors in the integration process
5
Q
Define Supranationalism
A
Claims major changes come about in EU as a result of supranational coalitions
6
Q
Define intergovernmentalism
A
Claims national governments are most important in the EU’s development- work together and therefore further integration occurs
7
Q
Explain the Multi-level governance theory on integration
A
Supranational organisations most important, but national governments have a significant influence
