Differences Between California and the European Union

We examined some of the differences between California and the European Union (EU). To begin, of course, California is a subnational state within a federal republic (the United States), while the European Union (EU) is a supranational and hybrid union of 27 sovereign member nations.

The following are some of the major differences between California and the European Union:

Nature of Authority

California operates as a constituent state of a federal system. It possesses its own constitution, governor, and bicameral legislature, but it remains subordinate to the U.S. Constitution and federal law under the Supremacy Clause.      

The European Union operates as a unique supranational entity. It derives its powers from treaties signed by independent, sovereign nation-states, rather than a single overarching national government.

Sovereignty and Veto Power      

California does not hold a veto power over U.S. federal laws, and its citizens are directly represented in the U.S. Congress.     

The EU Member States retain ultimate sovereignty in key areas (such as foreign policy and taxation) and often maintain veto or consensus requirements in the European Council.

Executive and Legislative Structure      

California uses a presidential/gubernatorial system with a single executive (the Governor) and a state legislature (the State Assembly and State Senate).      

The EU uses a complex institutional triangle consisting of the European Commission (proposing legislation/executive functions), the European Parliament (directly elected by EU citizens), and the Council of the European Union (representing government ministers from member states).

Enforcement of Regulations      

California enforces its own state laws (such as the California Consumer Privacy Act) via state agencies like the California Privacy Protection Agency or the State Attorney General.     

The EU often relies on individual member states to transpose EU directives into national law and enforce them locally, though EU regulations (like the GDPR) apply directly.

Currency and Monetary Policy      

California uses the U.S. dollar and has no independent monetary policy or central bank.      

EU features the Eurozone (where member states share the Euro and monetary policy is managed by the European Central Bank), while non-Eurozone members retain their own currencies.

Amending the Founding Documents

California can amend its constitution through a two-thirds vote of the Legislature followed by voter approval, or directly through a citizen initiative. In either case, a simple majority of voters is sufficient.

EU requires that treaty changes be agreed to unanimously by all member states and then ratified by each member state according to its own constitutional procedures, which can include national referendums.

Selection of the Chief Executive

California voters directly elect the Governor in a statewide election every four years.

EU has no single directly elected chief executive. The President of the European Commission is proposed by the European Council, taking into account the results of the European Parliament elections, who must then be approved by a majority of the European Parliament. Each member state nominates one Commissioner, and the full Commission must be approved by the Parliament.

Vincent Micheli is a registered lobbyist and an associate at Snodgrass & Micheli, LLC.