Introducing Politics for AS level

Holmes An Introduction to the Study of Politics cover
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Student Resources - Chapter fifteen

Chapter 15: The European Union

SETTING THE SCENE

The politics of the United Kingdom has been changed radically since the 1970s by developments in two important areas: Europe and devolution. The final two chapters deal with these huge issues. First, Europe. Since 1973 we have been part of the organization of European states which forms what was originally called the European Economic Community (EEC; or Common Market), and is now the European Union (EU). Membership of this Union has caused political turmoil in Britain at various times, and has also had a profound impact on our political and constitutional arrangements. It is still the biggest single political issue facing the country, but one which politicians sometimes try to ignore and which the citizens often find perplexing.

KEY TOPICS

  • The history of the European Union
  • The institutions of the European Union
  • The single currency
  • British political parties and the European Union
  • The impact of the European Union on British politics
  • Arguments for and against the European Union

Are any of the terms below unclear to you? If so, perhaps you should look over this chapter or use the searchable glossary to familiarise yourself with these terms.

  • The European Union
  • The Treaty of Paris
  • The Treaty of Rome
  • The Single European Act (SEA)
  • The Maastricht Treaty
  • Intergovernmentalism
  • Supranationalism
  • The Commission
  • The European Parliament
  • Subsidiarity
  • Euro-sceptic

Matching Exercise: Chapter Fifteen

Matching Exercise - Match the terms on the left with the most appropriate description on the right
The European Union This treaty, also know as the First Treaty on European Union (TEU), created the EU on the basis of the earlier agreements.
The Treaty of Paris The 1951 treaty, signed by six countries (France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg), that set up the European Coal and Steel Community.
The Treaty of Rome The theory that it is best to take all political decisions as close to the people concerned as possible.
The Single European Act (SEA) The 1986 agreement among the members of the EEC to develop economic integration further in order to achieve a completely free market between the states.
The Maastricht Treaty The group of (currently) 27 European countries which have joined together to promote their economic well-being and to foster good relations between themselves.
Intergovernmentalism The theory that the European Union should be run by the governments of the member states cooperating as if they were members of an alliance or loose club of states.
Supranationalism The representative body of the European Union.
The Commission Opposition to the process of further European integration.
The European Parliament The theory that the European Union should develop institutions which have power and sovereignty transferred to them by the member states, so that they can take decisions of their own accord.
Subsidiarity The 1957 treaty, signed by the six founding members, that set up the European Economic Community (EEC).
Euroscepticism The executive body and the civil service of the Union.

Further reading for Chapter Fifteen

A. Davies, British Politics and the EU (Hodder, 1998): a straightforward analysis of the topic.

S. George, An Awkward Partner (Oxford, 1998): historical analysis of Britain’s difficult relationship with the EU.

J. McCormick, Understanding the EU (Macmillan, 1999): useful study of the EU and its politics.

N. Nugent, The Government and Politics of the European Union (Palgrave, 2002): standard study of how the EU works.

Websites

Multiple Choice Quiz 15

Click here to access the Multiple Choice Quiz for this Chapter.

 

Student resources