Polar Opposite Legislature

Working in parliament was my first government job. The only knowledge I have about how the United States government works it through my own research and talking with individuals who have held federal positions. Even without first-hand experience in the US, I know that there really isn't that much of a difference between the EU and the US.

The most straightforward comparison between the parliament and an American institutional branch would be Congress. They are similarly structured, and their representatives share a common purpose of making their constituents' lives better. Just from watching the parliament's functions and activity, I could assume that the US Congress is very similar.

Despite all of these similarities, the two government bodies do not seem equally productive or share the same goals. Both have legislative duties, but between the two, I think the EU parliament actually works towards fulfilling them. In the EU, their purpose while working was to fix the disparities in the political system, and most of the time, parties compromised with each other to find a favorable resolution. I witnessed multiple occasions where MEPs and delegations set aside their pride for the greater good of the citizens.

To me, the United States Congress does not see the passing of the legislature a priority, but instead the success of their own political party and reelection. There are only two parties in Congress compared to dozens in parliament, and it is still less productive. The division in our legislative branch has always been there, but the nation's increasing polarization from Trump is making it worse.

I can see why some congressional representatives focus so much on their campaign. In the House, the terms only last two years, so it is a constant battle to maintain party majority. The obsession of blocking the other party comes from fear of each other, and the idea that compromising means defeat. Our radical executive branch encourages the discourse and persecutes anyone who tries to find a middle ground.

What I gathered from observing the parliament is that the majority of workers have similar mindsets and goals. That's the reason why they can have universal health care without corruption and high taxes without losing high quality of life. That's why European countries are healthier, happier, and generally satisfied with their life. Questions concerning human rights and the greater good of their citizens were met with resounding agreement across all parties. They genuinely took the needs of the EU as a priority above their own wants.

I don't believe that our legislative branch has the same priorities. Women of color in the House faced intense xenophobia by their own colleagues. Bills and budgets with the potential to help millions are blocked continuously to make the opposing party look bad. The president encourages disputes and arguments. Constituents cannot rely on their representatives the same that they can in Europe. I don't think the legislative branch works for America. Their goal is fame, power, and money like everything else. The EU parliament and US Congress have their eyes set on two entirely different things.

Kendall Gilcrease