Does the EU suffer from a democratic deficit Essay

Does the EU suffer from a democratic deficit - Essay Example The ECSC was transformed into European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 with the signing of Treaty of Rome that created a single market and aimed at removing all barriers to freedom of good, movement and trade. The EEC was hence a unique institution whose sole aim was to reduce barriers, decrease hindrances and increase integration within the member states. The EEC started off as a unique legal and political supranational institution that operates over and above the national governments of member states: it is an over arching government in itself that makes laws, takes decisions and creates circumstances for greater integration. This could not have been achieved with 27 member states without the presence of institutions: the treaty of Paris created four major institutions in 1951: a High Authority, Council of Ministers, European Assembly and a European Court of Justice. The Treaty of Rome 1957 followed this method and added to the list of institution a EURATOM (European Atomic Energy Commission) and renamed it as European Economic Community. However, the EU has gone through massive changes since then as subsequent treaties kept adding to the overall structure of it. The institutions as they stand now are as follows: The European Council, European Parliament, The Commission, European Court of Justice, The Court of Auditors and the Euro pean Central Bank. It is with EU’s structure that democratic deficit has been alleged to have seeped in. The term has been used since many years and according to Milev it has been accorded different meaning in all senses. The real meaning given to this term relates to alleged distance between the European government and the people that are rules: it is alleged that it neither has a proper democratic mandate nor proper democratic legitimacy that gives its actions validity. Initially the term was used to make way for direct elections to the Parliament, later on the debate kept surfacing repeatedly on different issues of constitutional importance, particularly where further integration and greater cooperation was concerned. Evidence is found in literature relating to the referendums, the rejected constitution etc. This democratic deficit has basically been seen because the key decisions that are taken in EU are taken within executive-controlled institution, the European Council and European Commission: there is no parliamentary form decision making with proper legitimacy and accountability. The European Council yields no legislative powers but has immense political powers as it comprises of all heads of the states, the ministers for foreign affairs, the president of the commission and the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. The council is headed by a President of the Council who is elected through Qualified Majority Voting procedure for a term of two and a half years. Second, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) is the legal arm of the EU as it deals with all cases arising from and about EU law. The main function of ECJ has been enshrined in Article 19(1) of the Treaty of European Union (TEU) as to ensure â€Å"

Finding a theme in a story Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Finding a theme in a story - Essay Example the life lesson of Shooting an Elephant by George Orwell is that very often, one have to make a choice between what is morally right and what one is expected to do or should do, especially in accordance with the law. In the essay, Orwell presents the conflict between the main character’s conscience and the law. The narrator is an imperial police officer, the representative of the conqueror and, consequently, is hated by the natives as â€Å"an obvious target† (Orwell). It is a difficult task for him to endure his job and hostile attitude of the conquered towards him. At the same time, he hates imperialism and the British Empire for the way of life he and the natives have to lead. As Orwell puts it, â€Å"theoretically – and secretly, of course, – I [the narrator] was all for the Burmese and all against their oppressors, the British†. In fact, this is the first conflict between the narrator’s conscience and what he is supposed to do / feel. The matter is that as he is a citizen of the British Empire and, more importantly, is at public service, he is supposed to admire his country, its political strategy and ideology. The narrator chooses to hate Britain a nd pity the Burmese though. The second collision between what is morally right and what one is obliged to do is central in the piece under consideration because it is the one that leads to the main character’s deep reflection on his behavior in the situation and in general. What is meant here is the main decision the police officer makes, which is whether to shoot or not to shoot the elephant. As it follows from the essay, the choice is not the easy one for the narrator. He himself tries to justify what he is going to do. He understands that killing the animal is not correct: â€Å"As soon as I saw the elephant I knew perfectly that I ought not to shoot him† as â€Å"at that distance, peacefully eating, the elephant looked no more dangerous than a cow† (Orwell). At the same time, the narrator feels the

Contemporary Topics in Professional Nursing Assignment - 1

Contemporary Topics in Professional Nursing - Assignment Example ributes of nurse leader that I learnt through handling the assignment include advocator for quality care, an articulate communicator as well as a mentor. â€Å"A nurse leader was also supposed to be a collaborator, a mentor, a risk taker, a role model and a visionary† (â€Å"Leadership,† 2014). It is through the last assignment that I also learnt that leadership involves sharing responsibility. Nurses in all fields of practices are obliged to maximize their leadership ability. â€Å"With the collective energy of shared leadership, nurses form strong networks and relationships that enhance excellence in nursing practice† (â€Å"Leadership,† 2014). The success of nursing profession also relies on the chief executive nurse because it is she or he that provides visionary leadership to the organization. His or her authorities and resources enhance the meeting of nursing standards. This cohesion of professional practice and operation activities within a health o rganization enhances the involvement of all nurses in decision-making a well as collaboration of interdisciplinary

Interview Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Interview - Assignment Example All the children are male except for the youngest, who is a female. Her children are 40, 37, 35 and 31 accordingly. She and her husband are currently residing in their own home, which is not far from that of her children, and therefore of her grandchildren as well. The purpose of this paper is to examine the selected woman's opinions and notions of marriage, family and children as she was raised to believe, according to which she's lived her life, and then compare and contract those to those of my own. The woman interviewed, my grandmother, believes, and was brought up to believe, that marriage is supposed to last forever. It was a very different time from today, two generations ago, and this perception was much more common and popular than, in contrast to the very different one of today. Strangely enough, though, people used to get married at a young age and perhaps without even knowing their intended spouse for as long as people do today prior to marriage. This seems quite odd and bizarre for me today, but my grandmother says that that's how it was back then. If you knew the person for a year or two and thought you were compatible, you got married. Sex before marriage was also much less acceptable or appropriate. It was also common opinion that one has to do whatever he or she possibly can in order to save and preserve the marriage if it falls under a hard time (Author, Year). What she describes is very reasonable for that time, but seems quite obsolete today. Few are the people who still hold these beliefs today, and they are considered to be very unusual and the exception of the codes of behavior and norms of today. Things have changed a lot in these years between her generation and mine. Along with the emancipation of women, women's right movements and the changes in society as well as in the legislature, there's been a major shift towards living life each person sees fit. There is much less pressure today from families or others to get married quickly, an d less criticism or eyebrow-raising if a woman isn't married. This is truer for men than for women, but it also applies to women. Men are often thought to be less mature for serious relationships, commitments and marriage, let alone starting a family, while women are typically seen as more marriage and family oriented. While it may hold some truth (and women do indeed think more about relationships and the desire to be married and have children than men do), it is most definitely not true for everyone, and sometimes it is completely the opposite. Back in my grandmother's time it was quite unheard of. A woman was supposed to be married and was expected to do so until a certain age. Today it is not like that at all. Being married and becoming a mother were considered to be an inseparable part of being a woman (Author, Year). Today, there are women who opt never to get married, even though some of which are in long, committed relationships. It is now believed by some that marriage isn' t for everyone, and some do choose not to get married. Coupled with the current divorce rates, things have certainly changed in the decades since my grandmother's time and until now (Author, Year). It is interesting to note, in this context, that although marriage has become less essential to some women today and perhaps because of it, the wedding industry has grown immensely, and the wedding day is now considered to be one of life's more important milestones. In the past, while it was also significant, people didn't make such a big

Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5

Globalization - Essay Example In addition, technology facilitates constant connectivity, which has led to establishment of a current generation living in a globalized world. Therefore, tracking communication and interaction with technology through my Smartphone for a period of four-hours depicts that there are numerous features offered by these device. After tracking use of my technological devices such as Smartphone and laptop, I acquired understanding of the way people use technology to communicate. In this case, people are able to connect through social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. In fact, accessibility to these social networking sites has been facilitated by the internet. Therefore, through my Smartphone, I was able to access information and services that I was interested in. Nonetheless, the internet plays a significant role in processes of reducing traditional barriers of communication across different parts of the world. During this period, I was using my laptop, and this made me realize that there are numerous software that have been developed along with protocols and standards aimed at enabling computers to interact through the internet. In fact, I was interacting with students from different parts of the world, thereby discussing issues regarding school projects. Therefore, collaboration platform has been developed in order to enable people share digital content (Friedman, 3). In fact, these collaboration platforms are referred to as flatteners, which expand opportunity through which people communicate and interact. These technological devices integrate internet functions, thereby making people’s lives more enjoyable. In fact, during this assessment period, I was able to watch new videos and play a game. Moreover, there are other emotional experiences, which are thrilling and exciting such watching a movie. Internet has become a social club since people have managed to develop and maintain friendships. For instance, during the assessment period, I had a g ood feeling of being socially connect with friends living in different parts of the world. In this case, we were able to interact and share some ideas, while making new friends. People have acquired ability to multitask, while using the internet and other technological devices. For instance, during the assessment period, I was logged into my Facebook account, whereby I was chatting with my friends; I was also logged into my tweeter account at the same time. Moreover, I was listening to Smartphone’s music, and I was still receiving calls from friends. In addition, during the same period, I got a chance to check my e-mail and play and online game. Therefore, use of technological devices among people in different parts of the world is increasing gradually with increases in levels of innovativeness and technological advancement. In addition, technology is used in order to achieve certain tasks in peoples’ lives such as learning and offering health care services. Part Two: Living Without Technology In order to understand the condition of living without technology, I conducted an assessment for a period of one hour. In this case, during this assessment, I refrained from using technological devices such as my laptop and Smartphone. On the other hand, I focused on using pens, paper and face-to-face conversation. Nevertheless, during this period, I was tempted to look at the messages and incoming calls from my friends on my Smartphone.

Past, Present, and Future Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Past, Present, and Future Paper - Essay Example In general, my major motive behind learning of this particular course of drug abuse was to develop my career as a licensed substance abuse counselor and to serve community to promote healthy living habits among the people. I feel that learning is extremely important and must be continued in order to keep our skill sharp and inculcate creativity and innovation in ourselves. Before involving in pursing course in substance abuse, my professional competencies regarding various skills such as written and oral communication, problem solving, and cooperation with the other members were moderate. Notably, I had moderate communication skills both in written as well as oral forms. In my professional life I used to involve in evaluating technical data and apply my logical and analytical problem skills in resolving work related issues. At the same time, I enjoyed taking challenges, I believed that challenges encountered in life not only test our level of competency but it also prepares me to deal with challenges that might emanate in later life. Moreover, I had fair competency with respect to the information retrieval and utilization, I often used to read of books and journals on diverse subjects that had offered me with valuable knowledge regarding information retrieval and utilization. I firmly believe that goal setting is a crucial part of my career as well as personnel development planning. Considering my strengths and weaknesses my career goal is to become a license substance abuse counselor so that I can help the drug abuse victims and their family overcomes their sufferings. I always viewed drug abuse as one of the major problems faced by the societies across the world. Thus, it made me motivated to opt for the course and develop career that would not only benefit me but also the community. When I was working with a non-profit health

Qualitative Research Problem and Design-Terence Essay - 1

Qualitative Research Problem and Design-Terence - Essay Example In-setting perceptions, interviews and extensive discussions are some of the methods employed in this type of research (Academy of Management, 2011). Criminal activities in most parts of the world are increasing due to some factors which economists and sociologists believe can be controlled (CICITAS CRIME, 2013). For example, the crime rate in the United States is considered to be low as compared other parts of the world but still high. Regions of Africa and South America are the most affected areas with the increasing rates of criminal activities. It is important to look at the causes of these increasing levels of crimes since lives are lost from such criminal activities. Some of the major factors behind increasing crime rates are lack of job opportunities among the youth and urbanization in general. Looking into the effects of these criminal behaviors in our society is also crucial since it would give the community reasons to fight this ill in the society. Finally, a research on how to fight this problem would be necessary (Clear, 2012). A crime is an activity that a person or a group engages in but the law of the land is against. These activities can be acts that affect other people are those that affect just the doers of the activities. The general perspective of criminal behavior looks at all the parties at stake when such an unlawful action is taken (Federal Bureau of Investigations, 2013). The rate of criminal activities in our countries has been on the increases. The number of unlawful activities that government authorities record every year is today higher than the number recorded back in the early 2000s. The size of data about lives lost in the line of handling criminal activities have also become bigger over years to date. The world is now left alert about these increasing criminal rates as the entire generation from the West to the East is affected by the problem (Uniform Crime