I am suggesting a parallel between the Confederation v. Federation model and the issues the EU faces today around, for instance, unanimity vs. qualified Majority at the European Council.

Note that the European Council is not unlike the original Senate, which wasn't directly elected but had Senators appointed by the States, while the European Parliament is like the House and the Commission is like the agencies of the Federal Government.

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes