Social Studies Praxis Practice Test

Membership in which of the following supranational organizations is most likely to affect the sovereignty of member countries?

1. United Nations

2. Organization of American States

3. World Health Organization

4. European Union

The correct answer is: European Union

Membership in the European Union is most likely to affect the sovereignty of member countries because this organization involves a high level of political and economic integration among its members. Countries that join the EU agree to adhere to a set of common laws and regulations that apply across all member states. This means that in various areas, like trade, environment, and consumer protection, member nations may need to align their own laws with EU directives, leading to a transfer of some decision-making power to the supranational level. The EU also has its own institutions that can make decisions that bind member states, which can limit the autonomy of individual nations in those areas covered by EU law. For instance, when it comes to matters like the customs union or the single market, members have to comply with EU policies even if they might differ from their national preferences. In contrast, organizations like the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the World Health Organization primarily serve as forums for cooperation and discussion rather than binding agreements that directly influence national law and policy to the same extent as the EU. These organizations focus more on cooperation in various areas such as security, humanitarian issues, and health, without the same level of legal integration that characterizes the EU.