Political integration in Europe and America: towards a Madisonian model for Europe

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Abstract:

Despite important differences that make deeper political integration comprising all members of the European Union unlikely in the near term, it is likely that a smaller group of EU members will continue towards deeper integration. While acknowledging that questions of constitutional legitimacy must be confronted and resolved, this paper by an American professor of constitutional law and comparative government suggests that European integrationists may find the federalist principles of James Madison, regarded as the father of the United States Constitution, valuable both for deeper integration and wider expansion. It argues that a Madisonian federal model for Europe could prove acceptable both to many euro-federalists and euro-sceptics alike, thus advancing the cause of European integration.