Understanding EU Governance Models

What is a key difference between the federal system of the United States and the unitary system of France?

• France allows states to have their own constitutions, unlike the US.

• Both have centralized power at the national level.

• The US has a single level of government, while France has multiple.

• The US shares power between federal and state levels, while France centralizes power.

Which of the following is true about federalism?

• It is the same as a unitary system.

• It means all power is concentrated at the top.

• It is more common globally than unitary systems.

• It involves sharing power between different levels of government.

What is a common feature of countries with larger populations?

• They often have federal systems.

• They are all part of the EU.

• They have no centralized government.

• They tend to operate under unitary systems.

How does the EU's structure differ from a traditional federal model?

• The EU is a unitary state with centralized power.

• The EU has no shared competencies with member states.

• The EU has exclusive authority in all policy areas.

• The EU operates as a supranational organization with shared powers.

Which historical example is similar to the EU's current structure?

• The United Kingdom

• The United States under the Articles of Confederation

• The Soviet Union

• The Roman Empire

What is one potential disadvantage of the EU returning power to member states?

• Increased national sovereignty.

• Less interference from Brussels.

• Countries may become isolated on the global stage.

• More direct control over national policies.

Which of the following is a characteristic of a federation?

• The central government can unilaterally change state laws.

• There is a clear division of competencies between levels of government.

• Member states have no autonomy.

• All policy areas are managed by the central government.

What would be a significant change if the EU moved towards a federation?

• The EU would have a pan-European constituency.

• Member states would gain more veto power.

• Member states would lose all legislative power.

• The EU would become a unitary state.

In a federal EU model, which area might become a shared competency?

• Education policy

• Fiscal policy

• Healthcare policy

• Defense policy

What is a potential benefit of a pan-European constituency?

• It would eliminate the need for national parties.

• It would reduce the sense of European identity.

• It would allow candidates to represent only their own country.

• It would make the EU more democratic.