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'As the only directly elected European Institution is the European Parliament, the European Union cannot be described as democratic.' Discuss
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TMA 03 Dan Whittle U5236871 DD200 P.1 'As the only directly elected European Institution is the European Parliament, the European Union cannot be described as democratic.' Discuss Democracy is a political system where the sovereign power is in the hands of the people. Albert Weale gives a more functional definition: 'important public decisions on questions of law and policy depend, directly or indirectly, upon public opinion formally expressed by citizens of the community, the vast bulk of whom have equal political rights.'1 To ensure this is realised "public control and political equality...authorisation, representation and accountability are the key principles."2 This essay tests the institutions of the EU under these criteria and concludes on their democratic legitimacy. The 'democratic deficit' a term often used by journalists refers to an increasing gap between the power of the EU institutions and the perceived power of the people to influence EU decisions. In direct democracy (e.g referenda)...
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