... There are a number of classifications for a constitutional structure. Firstly there is a unitary state a "structure organised under a single central government ". Secondly there is a confederation "a formal association of states loosely bound by a treaty...a central governmental mechanism with specified powers over member states but not directly over citizens"3. From the two concepts listed above it will become apparent if whether the EU falls into the following two categories. A Federal state "a state formed by the amalgamation or Union of previously autonomous or independent sates"4, This advocates a federal system of government similar to that of the United States of America where power is drawn from member states to a central governing authority. Finally intergovernmental structure in which there "a loose association of states retaining sovereign power." A 'supra national' system of government. Difficulty arises when trying to classify the EU into one ...

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