EU Politics MCQ Flashcards
What was the primary motivation behind the creation of the European Union?
To prevent future wars in Europe
What characterized the shift from ‘Warfare States’ to ‘Welfare States’ after World War II?
Nationalization of key industries and social security programs
What was one of the main reasons for the creation of NATO after World War II?
To provide collective security against the Soviet Union
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the post-war socialist model in Europe?
Privatization of public services
What was the purpose of the Schuman Declaration?
To reconcile France and Germany by integrating coal and steel industries
What did the Treaty of Rome (1957) establish?
The European Economic Community (EEC)
Which leader was known for resisting UK entry into the EEC and causing the ‘Empty Chair Crisis’?
Charles de Gaulle
What was the purpose of creating the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951?
To prevent war by controlling coal and steel production
What principle did the Maastricht Treaty introduce into the EU framework?
The concept of a single currency (Euro)
Which institution is responsible for proposing and enforcing EU legislation?
European Commission
What is the main legislative process used by the EU to pass laws?
Codecision (Ordinary Legislative Procedure)
Which institution is composed of the heads of state or government and sets the EU’s political direction?
European Council
Who appoints the President of the European Commission?
Nomination by the European Council and approval by the European Parliament
What is the role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ)?
Making sure EU laws are applied the same everywhere.
what best describes the European Council?
Made up of leaders from each member country.
Which theory of integration suggests that economic cooperation leads to political unity through a “spillover” effect?
Neo-Functionalism
What does the concept of “democratic deficit” in the EU refer to?
People feel they have little say or representation in decisions.
What is meant by “input legitimacy” in the context of the EU?
Government ‘by the people’ and public participation
What is the key criticism of the “democratic deficit” in the EU?
EU decision-making lacks direct citizen control
According to Neo-Functionalist theory, what triggers deeper integration within the EU?
Economic interdependence creating political spillover
What concept does the “principle of subsidiarity” in the EU emphasize?
Decision-making as close to the citizen as possible
What is meant by the term “Neo-Functionalism” in the context of EU integration?
A theory that economic integration in one area leads to political integration in related areas (spillover effect)
What does the term “Intergovernmentalism” refer to in the EU context?
A process where member states cooperate while retaining ultimate authority
What is the principle of “Subsidiarity” in the EU?
Decisions should be taken as closely as possible to the citizens
What does “Democratic Deficit” in the EU refer to?
A gap where EU institutions are perceived as lacking democratic legitimacy
What is “Codecision” in the EU legislative process?
A process where the European Parliament and Council of Ministers jointly pass legislation
What is the “European Coal and Steel Community” (ECSC)?
An international organization overseeing coal and steel production to maintain peace and prevent conflict
What does “Qualified Majority Voting” (QMV) mean in the EU context?
A voting system that requires a majority of member states representing at least 65% of the EU population
What is the purpose of the “European Court of Justice” (ECJ)?
To interpret EU law and ensure its uniform application
What is “Multilevel Governance” in the EU?
The interaction and decision-making across local, national, and EU levels
What does the term “Legitimacy” refer to in the context of the EU?
The legitimacy of EU actions as viewed by its citizens
