Chapter 10 Essay questions

1) Discuss how the political system of the European Union has elements of both a parliamentary and a presidential system.

2) Broadly speaking, parties might follow policy-seeking or office-seeking strategies during government formation. Describe how each strategy may influence how a party approaches coalition bargaining talks.

3) Describe the executive functions of the European Commission and compare it to a typical government in a parliamentary democracy?

4) A minority government seems to be inherently unstable, as it does not command a majority in parliament. However, minority governments are common in European politics. Discuss how and when minority governments form and why they are effective.

5) Minority governments often form because small parties refuse to join a coalition as a junior coalition partner. Discuss why it might it make sense for small parties to act that way.