Supranational Union - Comparing The European Union and The United States

Comparing The European Union and The United States

In the Lisbon Treaty, the distribution of competences in various policy areas between Member States and the European union is redistributed in three categories. In 19th century USA, it had exclusive competences only (changed somewhat since then, but the basic design remains to this day). Competences not explicitly listed belong to lower levels of governance.

EU exclusive competence The Union has exclusive competence to make directives and conclude international agreements when provided for in a Union legislative act.
  • the customs union
  • the establishing of the competition rules necessary for the functioning of the internal market
  • monetary policy for the Member States whose currency is the euro
  • the conservation of marine biological resources under the common fisheries policy
  • common commercial (trade) policy
 EU shared competence Member States cannot exercise competence in areas where the Union has done so.
  • the internal market
  • social policy, for the aspects defined in this Treaty
  • economic, social and territorial cohesion
  • agriculture and fisheries, excluding the conservation of marine biological resources
  • environment
  • consumer protection
  • transport
  • trans-European Networks
  • energy
  • the area of freedom, security and justice
  • common safety concerns in public health matters, for the aspects defined in this Treaty
  • Common Foreign and Security Policy
 EU supporting competence The Union can carry out actions to support, coordinate or supplement Member States' actions.
  • the protection and improvement of human health
  • industry
  • culture
  • tourism
  • education, youth, sport and vocational training
  • civil protection (disaster prevention)
  • administrative cooperation
 USA exclusive competence USA federal government in the 19th century.
  • Internal improvements
  • Subsidies (mainly to shipping)
  • Tariffs
  • Disposal of public lands
  • Immigration law
  • Foreign policy
  • Copyrights
  • Patents
  • Currency

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