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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. Government. David Cameron. Parliamentary system.
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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
Government 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 Parliament Majority party Prime minister & cabinet voters Minority party
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 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 • Heldat least 4 times a year • Sets the overall guidelines for EU policies • President: Herman Van Rompuy
How EU laws are made Citizens, interest groups, experts: discuss, consult Commission: makes formal proposal Parliament and Council of Ministers: decide jointly National or local authorities: implement Commission and Court of Justice: monitor implementation
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_embedded&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