European Union: Institutions, Bodies, and Symbols
Symbols of the European Union
The European Union is represented by several key symbols:
- The European flag
- The European anthem
- Europe Day
- The motto: “United in diversity”
- The euro (as the currency)
Main EU Institutions
The European Parliament
The European Parliament has 784 members and a President elected by direct universal suffrage for a period of five years. It is organized into:
- Political Groups: Meetings of deputies based on ideological affinities.
- Committees: Composed of deputies from different political
Spain’s 17th Century Crisis: Validos, Revolts, and the Fall of the Habsburgs
The Validos: Royal Favorites in 17th-Century Spain
The system of validos, or royal favorites, was widespread during the 17th century in several European countries, particularly Spain. Their position was not institutional but resulted from a personal appointment; their power lay in the confidence the king placed in them. When this trust declined, the favorite lost all power. This system often created a significant rift between the king and his subjects. A prominent early example was Francisco de Sandoval
Read MoreMedieval Iberian Kingdoms: Castile and Aragon’s Political Evolution
Castile: Administration and Governance
Administrative Structure
Castile’s administrative territorial division included 7 provinces, known as adelantamientos (border provinces) and merindades (inland provinces).
Municipal Councils & Royal Influence
Municipal councils were controlled by regimientos, whose most prominent figure was the corregidor. Tax officials began to appear in León, becoming part of the Royal Council when they served as procuradores of cities, where they protested the handling
Key Powers of the EU Commission and Council
The European Commission: Functions and Powers
The European Commission is the body responsible for initiating the regulatory process, which constitutes its primary power. The legislative process for any normative act unfolds as follows:
- The Commission proposes legislation.
- These proposals must be approved by the Council of the European Union, always considering the national interest.
- They are also adopted by the European Parliament, almost always reflecting the interests of citizens who have voted.
This
Read MoreInternational Security: Concepts and State Strategies
Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Security Concepts
The field of international security encompasses various perspectives on threats and how states respond to them. A fundamental distinction exists between traditional and non-traditional security approaches.
Traditional Security: External Threats and State-Centric Focus
In the traditional conception of security, the greatest danger to a country stems from military threats. The source of this danger is typically another country, which, by threatening military
Read MoreArgentina’s National Autonomist Party (PAN) and Electoral Reform
Argentina’s National Autonomist Party (PAN)
Roca became president of the country, supported by a league formed by rulers of different provinces, which formed the National Autonomist Party (PAN). Within the PAN, all decisions were made by the president, governors, senators, and some politicians; they formed the so-called elite. This system allowed the PAN oligarchic control of the elections, remain in power, and prevent access to the government for his political opponents.
The presidents, governors,
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