AP European History Flashcards: The European Union

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on The European Union, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP European History.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the main role of the European Commission within EU institutions?

Answer: Proposes EU legislation and enforces EU law; executive body. Acts as "guardian of the treaties" with monopoly on legislative initiative.

Flashcard 2: What was the central economic aim of the EEC as established in 1957?

Answer: Creation of a common market with freer movement of goods and labor. Aimed to eliminate trade barriers between member states.

Flashcard 3: Which EU institution represents member-state governments and co-legislates on most laws?

Answer: Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers). Ministers from each member state vote on proposed laws.

Flashcard 4: Which 2004 event best represents the EU's post–Cold War "eastern enlargement"?

Answer: Accession of 10 states, mostly from Central and Eastern Europe (2004). Largest single expansion, reuniting Europe after Cold War.

Flashcard 5: What is the Schengen Area in relation to EU border policy?

Answer: A passport-free travel zone with abolished internal border checks. Created by 1985 Schengen Agreement, now includes most EU states.

Flashcard 6: What 1957 treaties created the European Economic Community (EEC) and Euratom?

Answer: Treaties of Rome (1957). Established the EEC (Common Market) and atomic energy cooperation.

Flashcard 7: What is the European Council, and what does it primarily do?

Answer: Heads of state or government setting overall EU political direction. Summit meetings define strategic priorities, not day-to-day legislation.

Flashcard 8: What is the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)?

Answer: Interprets EU law and ensures its uniform application. Highest court ensuring member states comply with EU treaties.

Flashcard 9: What currency was introduced as part of Economic and Monetary Union and later became physical cash?

Answer: The euro. Launched 1999 (accounting), physical coins/notes in 2002.

Flashcard 10: What is the euro in the context of European integration?

Answer: A common currency used by the Eurozone member states. Launched in 1999, adopted by 20 of 27 EU member states.

Flashcard 11: What 1957 treaties created the European Economic Community (EEC) and Euratom?

Answer: Treaties of Rome (1957). Expanded cooperation beyond coal/steel to broader economic integration.

Flashcard 12: What is the Schengen Area in relation to EU border policy?

Answer: Passport-free travel zone with abolished internal border controls. Created in 1985, now includes 27 European countries.

Flashcard 13: Which 2016–2020 process should you identify as the United Kingdom leaving the EU?

Answer: Brexit. First member state to leave the EU after 2016 referendum.

Flashcard 14: What is the European Union (EU) in the context of postwar European integration?

Answer: A supranational political and economic union of European member states. Evolved from postwar cooperation to prevent future conflicts.

Flashcard 15: Which EU body sets broad political direction and is composed of heads of state or government?

Answer: European Council. Summit meetings that guide EU's strategic priorities.

Flashcard 16: What 1992 treaty created the European Union and launched the "three pillars" structure?

Answer: Treaty of Maastricht (1992). Transformed the EEC into a political union with expanded powers.

Flashcard 17: Which six states were the founding members of the ECSC in 1951?

Answer: France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg. The original "Inner Six" who began European economic integration.

Flashcard 18: Identify whether Schengen membership is identical to EU membership.

Answer: No; some EU states are outside Schengen and some non-EU states are inside. UK/Ireland opted out; Norway/Switzerland are non-EU members.

Flashcard 19: What is the main role of the European Parliament in EU governance?

Answer: Directly elected legislature that co-decides laws and the budget. Powers expanded over time; now co-equal with Council in most areas.

Flashcard 20: What is the principle of "supremacy of EU law" as developed by the CJEU?

Answer: EU law takes precedence over conflicting national law. Established through landmark cases like Costa v. ENEL (1964).

Flashcard 21: What is the principle of supranationalism as applied to the European Union?

Answer: Member states pool sovereignty; EU bodies can bind states by law. Distinguishes EU from traditional international organizations.

Flashcard 22: Which EU institution has the primary role of proposing EU legislation?

Answer: European Commission. Executive branch with exclusive right to initiate legislation.

Flashcard 23: What 1951 treaty created the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)?

Answer: Treaty of Paris (1951). First step toward European integration through coal/steel cooperation.

Flashcard 24: What is the Eurozone in relation to the European Union?

Answer: EU member states that use the euro as their currency. Not all EU members adopted the single currency.

Flashcard 25: Which EU institution is directly elected by EU citizens and co-legislates on most laws?

Answer: European Parliament. Only EU institution with democratic mandate from citizens.

Flashcard 26: What is the term for the 2016–2020 process of the United Kingdom leaving the EU?

Answer: Brexit. First member state withdrawal, completed January 31, 2020.

Flashcard 27: What 1986 agreement is most associated with accelerating completion of the EU single market?

Answer: Single European Act (1986). Set 1992 deadline for removing all internal market barriers.

Flashcard 28: What was the central economic aim of the European Economic Community (EEC)?

Answer: Create a common market by reducing internal trade barriers. Aimed to integrate economies through free trade among members.

Flashcard 29: What is the European Union (EU) in the context of postwar European integration?

Answer: A supranational political and economic union of European member states. Evolved from postwar cooperation to prevent future conflicts.

Flashcard 30: What 1951 treaty created the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)?

Answer: Treaty of Paris (1951). First step toward European integration through shared coal/steel control.

Flashcard 31: What is the principle of subsidiarity in the European Union?

Answer: Decisions should be made at the lowest effective level of governance. Limits EU action to areas where it's more effective than states alone.

Flashcard 32: What is the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) responsible for?

Answer: Interpreting EU law and ensuring its uniform application. EU law supremacy ensures single market functions uniformly.

Flashcard 33: What are the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership (in one concise list)?

Answer: Stable democracy, rule of law, human rights; market economy; adopt EU acquis. 1993 criteria ensuring new members meet EU standards.

Flashcard 34: What 1992 treaty formally created the European Union and introduced a three-pillar structure?

Answer: Treaty of Maastricht (1992). Transformed the EEC into a political union with expanded powers.

Flashcard 35: Which six states were the original members of the ECSC in 1951?

Answer: France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg. The "Inner Six" founding members of European integration.

Flashcard 36: Which EU institution should you identify as the body that initiates most EU legislation?

Answer: European Commission. Has exclusive right to propose legislation in most policy areas.

Flashcard 37: Which treaty is most associated with major institutional reforms to prepare for eastern enlargement?

Answer: Treaty of Lisbon (2007; in force 2009). Streamlined decision-making and created EU President position.

Flashcard 38: What is the "four freedoms" principle of the EU single market?

Answer: Free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. Core principle enabling the single market to function.

Flashcard 39: What is the main role of the Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers)?

Answer: Represents member-state governments; co-legislates and coordinates policy. Ministers from each state meet by policy area to pass laws.

Flashcard 40: Which EU institution should you identify as directly elected by EU citizens?

Answer: European Parliament. Elections held every five years since 1979.