Earlier this summer, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, an “economical and political partnership” according to the BBC. The vote took place on Thursday, June 23. Anyone of voting age was eligible to cast their opinion on the matter. The end result was that the United Kingdom would leave the European Union, winning by four percent.

The decision to leave the European Union was labeled “Brexit”, a combination of Britain and the word exit. While the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union, their official exit will not occur for at least two years. Before the process can begin, the United Kingdom has to invoke the terms of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which defines the specifics of the United Kingdom’s departure.

“The decision to trigger Article 50 is in the hand of the next prime minister,” the United Kingdom’s former Secretary of State for Education and Justice said. The new Prime Minister, Theresa May, did not vote to leave the European Union, but has stated that she will follow through with the exit.

“Her ability to smoothly lead the exit will determine her political future,” Social Studies teacher Mr. Mike Goldsmith said.

The effects of triggering Article 50 are not yet fully known. The split from the European Union has the potential to change not only the British economy, but also the economy of the United States. Brexit establishes a higher dollar, which may be detrimental to U.S. companies shipping overseas. Of these companies, the products could become significantly more expensive, which would make them less desirable to consumers. While the split may have an economic effect on the U.S., it is not predicted to be a large one.

“In terms of gross domestic product (GDP), the United Kingdom is an economic power, but still only about 30% of the total GDP of China, and less than 20% of the GDP of the U.S.,” Mr. Goldsmith said. The final outcome of the split remains unknown until it actually happens, in two years.