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Modern European Governments: The European Union. S. Thomas 6 th Grade Social Studies. The Standard. SS6CG5 – The student will explain the structure of modern European governments. The Element.
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Modern European Governments: The European Union S. Thomas 6th Grade Social Studies
The Standard • SS6CG5 – The student will explain the structure of modern European governments.
The Element • (b) -Describe the purpose of the European Union and the relationship between member nations.
“I Can” Statements • I can describe what the European Union is. • I can discuss some of the benefits for joining the European Union. • I can explain why the European Union is a confederation.
The Essentials • What does the term EU stand for? • What was the purpose of the countries joining together in order to establish the European Union? • What is the main currency used by most EU countries? • What are some of the benefits for joining the EU? • Why was the EU established?
European Union • 27 countries are members of the European Union or EU. • The purpose of the EU is for its members work together for benefits that would be out of their reach if each were working alone
European Union • The EU nations believe that when countries work together they are a more powerful force in the world because they involve more people, more money, and more land area • This helps make the smaller countries of Europe more competitive in the world market
European Union • Comparing the EU and the U.S. • The EU has more people and a greater GDP than the U.S.
European Union • Citizens in the U.K. have decided to keep their own currency even though they are in the EU • Twelve EU countries do not use the euro • The EU does not handle all the government businessforthe membercountries
European Union • Each country still makes its own laws, has its own military and elects its own leaders • The EU works to improve trade, education, farming, and industry among the members • There are no tariffs (taxes) between countries in the EU
European Union • This makes a large free trade zone (no taxes used) • Citizens of one country can freely move to another country • They can live and work in any other EU nation • They can even vote in local elections even if they are not citizens of the country
European Union • One result of the EU is the creation of the Euro • The European countries have their own currencies • The Euro is the currency of most of the EU • Member countries can choose to give up their own currencies and exchange them for euros
European Union • France used to have French francs as currency • Germany used to have German marks • Today both countries use the euro • This makes trade between the countries much easier and less expensive • The United Kingdom uses the British pound
European Union • The U.S. is much larger than the separate EU countries • When the EU countries combine, they have more people, more land and a more money than USA