... of that Member State'I Ways in which it would appear that there is insufficient democratic accountability It is frequently argued that there is insufficient democratic accountability in the legislative process, often referred to as a 'democratic deficit'. The Commission is unelected yet it is responsible for initiating the majority of legislation. Likewise the Council, is perceived as the key decision maker in the EC legislative process and '...there is no body, at European or national level, to hold the Council itself accountable'.II The EP, is the only directly elected body involved in the legislative process. Previously, the EP had a minimal role to play in legislation. However, following the Single European Act, Treaty of the European Union, Treaty of Amsterdam (ToA) and Treaty of Nice (ToN), Parliament now plays a more substantive role in the legislative process. Although the extent of the EP's powers has increased, in relation to the other ...

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