Test on Internal Organization of the European Parliament

Question 1: In July 2017, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D) had exactly 200 members.

A. Yes

B. No

Explanation: According to Table 3.2, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D) had 189 members in July 2017, not 200.

Question 2: According to the study materials, which of the following is true regarding political groups in the European Parliament concerning speaking time and budget?

A. Individual MEPs have more speaking time in plenary than political groups.

B. Political groups have a bigger budget compared to individual MEPs.

C. Political groups enjoy more speaking time in plenary.

D. Both individual MEPs and political groups receive equal speaking time and budget allocations.

Explanation: The study materials state that political groups 'enjoy more speaking time in plenary, a bigger budget' compared to individual MEPs, indicating that options 1 and 2 are correct. Options 0 and 3 contradict this information.

Question 3: The College of Quaestors primarily focuses on major legislative planning and the European Parliament's external relations with other EU bodies and national parliaments.

A. Yes

B. No

Explanation: The College of Quaestors regulates administrative and financial issues affecting MEPs' working conditions, such as distributing office space or ensuring canteen quality. Its function is more limited and it focuses on internal administrative tasks, not major legislative planning or external relations, which are duties of the Conference of Presidents.

Question 4: What was the primary purpose of the Rule 225 procedure, modified by Rule 223a, that the European Parliament launched in 2016?

A. To decide on the allocation of plenary seats for political groups.

B. To ascertain whether a political party at European level observes the principles upon which the European Union is founded.

C. To regulate administrative and financial issues affecting the working conditions of MEPs.

D. To appoint the Secretary General and establish the organization of the EP’s Secretariat.

Explanation: The study materials state that the EP launched the Rule 225 procedure, modified by Rule 223a, which allowed the Constitutional Affairs Committee to ascertain 'whether or not a political party at European level is continuing (particularly in its programme and in its activities) to observe the principles upon which the European Union is founded'.

Question 5: Formally, all leadership positions in the European Parliament are distributed proportionally among political groups and national party delegations using the D'Hondt method.

A. Yes

B. No

Explanation: The study materials state that all leadership positions are formally distributed proportionally, using the D'Hondt method, first among the political groups and then among national party delegations.