AP Human Geography
Political
Supranationalism
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Date_______________________
Definitions: Nationalism and Sovereignty
Nationalism is a sense of unity binding the people of a state together, devotion to the
interests of a particular nation; an identification with the state and acceptance of national
goals (Credit: Getis, Getis, and Fellmann).
Sovereignty is a principle of international relations that holds that final authority over
social, economic, and political matters should rest with the legitimate rulers of
independent states. A sovereign nation can defend its territory. (Credit: de Blij and
Murphy)
Supranationalism: multistate cooperative systems comprised of associations of three or more states created for
mutual benefit and to achieve shared objectives (Credit: Getis, Getis, Fellman).
Supranationalism: European Union Case Study
We will be looking at the concept of supranationalism by examining the European Union.
The European Union (EU), formally known as the European Community, came into
existence in 1951 after World War II had ended. The Union was created for two main
reasons: 1) To serve as an institutional framework for the construction of a united
Europe, and 2) To tie Europe together economically. As of today, 27 countries are
members of the EU. Today, the EU is invaluable for its abilities to solve problems that can no longer be solved by
the independent states.
Directions:
Complete the background guide for the European Union. This will be necessary for you in order to research your
debate topic in the next step. Go to the link below to link to the European Union website and complete the
European Union (EU) Background Guide questions:
http://europa.eu./index_en.htm
1.
2.
How did the EU come into existence?
Who are the present members in the European Union?
3. What are the qualifications in becoming a member?
4. Pick three policy areas of the EU and discuss how well you think the EU is doing in those areas and why.
5. Analyze how the United States connects with the EU (go to “Policy Areas” and then click “External
Relations”).
6.
Focusing On the totality of the EU, summarizes how it functions as an economic
example of supranationalism.