Test on European Parliament in the EU Political System

Question 1: The empowerment process of the European Parliament is solely responsible for shaping its internal organisation.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that the empowerment process is important to understand the EP’s internal organisation, but they do not claim it is solely responsible for shaping it. It is presented as one significant factor among others for understanding its structure.

Question 2: The European Parliament managed to expand its powers through a course of both formal and informal stages.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The European Parliament expanded its powers through a course of formal and informal stages, as stated in the study materials.

Question 3: According to the study materials, which of the following statements accurately describe the European Parliament's role as a channel of democratic (popular) representation?

A. The EP is considered the classical channel for democratic representation in the EU.

B. Its claims to represent citizens are challenged by the fact that citizens do not feel attached to their MEPs.

C. The EP's popular representation role has been a strong legitimizing tool for increasing its powers.

D. The EU's electoral system allows citizens to vote for transnational European lists, strengthening their connection to the EP.

Explanation: The study materials state that the EP is seen as the 'classical channel of democratic (popular) representation.' It also mentions that 'playing the popular representation card has helped the EP to increase its powers' and is a 'strong legitimising tool.' However, the materials also note that the nature of EP elections 'makes it difficult for Parliament to relate with voters' and that 'citizens generally do not feel attached to their MEPs.' The materials explicitly state that 'EU citizens cannot yet vote for transnational European lists,' making the fourth option incorrect.

Question 4: According to the study materials, what is one reason why European Parliament elections have contributed to the rise of Eurosceptic forces in Europe?

A. Citizens feel a strong attachment to their MEPs, thereby supporting new political movements.

B. The EU's electoral system allows citizens to vote for transnational European lists, benefiting new parties.

C. They offer an easier arena for fringe parties to win representation and expand their resources.

D. National parties have ceased to be the primary interface between citizens and the European Parliament.

Explanation: The study materials state: 'European elections have often been a much easier arena for fringe parties to win representation and expand their (financial) resources to strengthen the party back home.' This directly explains the rise of Eurosceptic forces.

Question 5: The European Parliament has consistently demonstrated a stable pattern of behavior in defending stronger parliamentary powers.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The European Parliament has shown a stable pattern of behaviour in its defense of stronger parliamentary powers. This attitude has often gone into the offensive, involving new interpretations of treaties and informal instruments to strengthen its links with other EU institutions.