3. The Constitutions and Institutions of Western     Europe

Study

Chapter 3 describes modern Europe as a densely populated landmass, as an increasingly integrated system of nation-states, and as an important actor in world affairs. The chapter discusses the politics of modern Europe by examining the constitutional structure of four important political units, including three nation-states—the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—and the European Union, a unique and evolving international organization. An examination of constitutional structures focuses attention on the fundamental laws and customary practices that (a) define the authority of state institutions, (b) regulate the relationships between political executives, legislatures, judiciaries, and bureaucracies, and (c) structure the relationships between citizens and government.

The four case studies identify three trends in the development of European political institutions. First, the evolution of law is leading to an increasing formalization of institutional principles and practices. Second, the authority of international organizations such as the European Union has increased significantly in recent years. Third, there is a clear trend of decentralization of political authority within the states. Finally, chapter 3 highlights a seemingly contradictory tendency at work in Europe. Nation-states in Europe are simultaneously ceding political authority both to a supranational institution (European Union) and to regional and local governments within the nation-state. Are these trends contradictory or complimentary? The chapter suggests that such trends seem to be largely complementary, but not without some degree of conflict. The European Union has adopted policies recognizing substate jurisdictions as legitimate participants in EU councils. For their part, political actors at the subnational level are learning that, in addition to lobbying their respective country governments, they can develop cooperative strategies and transborder relationships to deal with areas and problems of mutual concern.

Review Questions

After reading the chapter, students should be prepared to answer the following questions:

  1. Describe the similarities and differences between the political executives and legislatures in Great Britain, France, and Germany.


  2. Compare and contrast the judiciaries and legal systems in Great Britain, France, and Germany.


  3. Although the government bureaucracies in Great Britain, France, and Germany are European bureaucracies, explain their essential differences.


  4. How has the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe in 1989 affected the European Union?


  5. Explain the evolution of the constitutional principles and formal institutions of the European Union since the Treaty of Rome established the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957.