American constitution Quote by Fareed Zakaria
““Andrew Moraviscik, one of the best American scholars of Europe, points out that once you exclude translators and clerical workers, the European Commission employs 2.500 officials, "fewer than any moderately sized European city and less than 1 percent of the number employed by the French state alone". As for its undemocratic nature, any new law it wishes to pass needs more than 71 percent of the weighted national-government votes - "a larger proportion than the required to amend the American Constitution".””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Fareed Zakaria on European Union, 2021
The EU’s bureaucracy is tiny compared to national governments, yet its decision‑making requires a super‑majority, making it appear undemocratic and inefficient.
In simple terms: EU has few staff but needs high voting thresholds, seeming undemocratic.
Key Takeaway
Consider reforms for transparency and efficiency.
Themes
governance
bureaucracy
democracy
efficiency
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
informative
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- EU reform debates
- public administration
Key Concepts
institutional design
political legitimacy
voting thresholds
Questions to Reflect On
- Is a super‑majority always a flaw?
- How can the EU balance speed and fairness?
A Different Perspective
High thresholds can protect minority rights, not just hinder action.
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