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Questions and Answers
Which parties form the current government coalition in Germany?
Which parties form the current government coalition in Germany?
The Weimar Republic was a strong democracy that successfully protected democratic mechanisms.
The Weimar Republic was a strong democracy that successfully protected democratic mechanisms.
False
What is the German term for politics?
What is the German term for politics?
Politik
The Grundgesetz, or Basic Law, came into effect on ______.
The Grundgesetz, or Basic Law, came into effect on ______.
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Match the following terms to their definitions:
Match the following terms to their definitions:
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What is the primary role of the Bundesrat in the German legislative process?
What is the primary role of the Bundesrat in the German legislative process?
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The Bundestag is the only legislative body in Germany.
The Bundestag is the only legislative body in Germany.
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What are the two types of laws in the German legislative system?
What are the two types of laws in the German legislative system?
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The second chamber of Parliament in Germany is called the __________.
The second chamber of Parliament in Germany is called the __________.
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Match the following aspects of the Bundestag with their descriptions:
Match the following aspects of the Bundestag with their descriptions:
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Which step in the decision-making procedure occurs after the first reading?
Which step in the decision-making procedure occurs after the first reading?
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The Bundesrat has veto power over all types of proposed legislation.
The Bundesrat has veto power over all types of proposed legislation.
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How many seats in the Bundesrat does a state with a population of 4 million have?
How many seats in the Bundesrat does a state with a population of 4 million have?
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What is a primary characteristic of the German political system?
What is a primary characteristic of the German political system?
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The German political system is a purely federal system without separation of powers.
The German political system is a purely federal system without separation of powers.
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What article in the German Constitution ensures human rights?
What article in the German Constitution ensures human rights?
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In the German political system, the two chambers of Parliament are known as the ______ and ______.
In the German political system, the two chambers of Parliament are known as the ______ and ______.
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Match the following characteristics of federalism with their descriptions:
Match the following characteristics of federalism with their descriptions:
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Which principle is NOT part of the liberal democratic basic order in Germany?
Which principle is NOT part of the liberal democratic basic order in Germany?
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The federal system in Germany facilitates flexible problem-solving adapted to regional needs.
The federal system in Germany facilitates flexible problem-solving adapted to regional needs.
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Name one negative aspect of the federal system in Germany.
Name one negative aspect of the federal system in Germany.
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The process of ______ and control of decision makers is an element of the political system in Germany.
The process of ______ and control of decision makers is an element of the political system in Germany.
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What role did the federal system play during the COVID-19 period?
What role did the federal system play during the COVID-19 period?
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Which Chancellor is known for implementing Ostpolitik?
Which Chancellor is known for implementing Ostpolitik?
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Angela Merkel served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021.
Angela Merkel served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021.
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What is the main legislative body in Germany?
What is the main legislative body in Germany?
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The ____ Threshold requires parties to secure at least 5% of the national vote to enter the Bundestag.
The ____ Threshold requires parties to secure at least 5% of the national vote to enter the Bundestag.
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What role does the Federal Chancellor play in the German government?
What role does the Federal Chancellor play in the German government?
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Match the following Chancellors with their notable actions:
Match the following Chancellors with their notable actions:
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Party discipline requires members of factions to vote against their party's policies.
Party discipline requires members of factions to vote against their party's policies.
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List Mandate refers to candidates being elected based on what system?
List Mandate refers to candidates being elected based on what system?
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Which function of the Bundestag involves electing judges of constitutional courts?
Which function of the Bundestag involves electing judges of constitutional courts?
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The Bundesrat is composed of representatives from 12 states of Germany.
The Bundesrat is composed of representatives from 12 states of Germany.
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Who heads the federal government in Germany?
Who heads the federal government in Germany?
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The Chancellor is elected by the Bundestag on the proposal of the ______.
The Chancellor is elected by the Bundestag on the proposal of the ______.
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Match the following principles of the federal government with their descriptions:
Match the following principles of the federal government with their descriptions:
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What happens if the Bundestag and Bundesrat cannot reach a compromise on a law?
What happens if the Bundestag and Bundesrat cannot reach a compromise on a law?
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The Bundesrat has the power to approve all laws passed by the Bundestag.
The Bundesrat has the power to approve all laws passed by the Bundestag.
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Name one type of conflict that can arise in the German government.
Name one type of conflict that can arise in the German government.
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Which of the following is NOT a type of questioning in the Bundestag?
Which of the following is NOT a type of questioning in the Bundestag?
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The Federal President is elected for a term of four years.
The Federal President is elected for a term of four years.
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Who is currently the Federal Chancellor of Germany?
Who is currently the Federal Chancellor of Germany?
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The core responsibility of the Federal Constitutional Court includes ensuring laws comply with the _____ Law.
The core responsibility of the Federal Constitutional Court includes ensuring laws comply with the _____ Law.
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Match the following officials with their respective positions:
Match the following officials with their respective positions:
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What is a key function of the Federal Constitutional Court?
What is a key function of the Federal Constitutional Court?
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The Federal Constitutional Court can act as a substitute legislature.
The Federal Constitutional Court can act as a substitute legislature.
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How many judges are there in each Senate of the Federal Constitutional Court?
How many judges are there in each Senate of the Federal Constitutional Court?
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The Federal Constitutional Court is elected by the Bundestag and _____ with a two-thirds majority.
The Federal Constitutional Court is elected by the Bundestag and _____ with a two-thirds majority.
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What criticism has been directed at the Federal Constitutional Court?
What criticism has been directed at the Federal Constitutional Court?
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Study Notes
Introduction to the German Political System
- Germany's current government is a coalition of the SPD, FDP, and die Grünen (the Ampel Coalition).
- To form a government, a party or coalition needs at least 50% of the seats.
Definition of Politics
- Politics involves influencing decisions about power, resources, and the distribution of goods.
- In German, "Politik" encompasses politics, policy, and polity.
- Polity refers to the structure of political systems.
- Policy refers to the content of political issues.
- Power, according to Max Weber, is the ability to impose one's will, even against resistance.
Historical Context
- The Weimar Republic was Germany's first democracy, existing between World Wars I and II.
- It was unstable and lacked mechanisms to protect democracy, leading to the rise of the Nazi Party.
- After World War II, Germany was divided into occupation zones.
- The occupying powers created a new constitution, the Grundgesetz (Basic Law), which came into effect on May 24, 1949.
Elements of the Political System
- The following characteristics define Germany's political system:
- Fundamental constitutional policy decisions
- Formation of interests and opinions on alternative political action courses
- Process of decision-making and control of decision-makers
- Dealing with political problems
- Composition of political elites and the public's attitude towards the political system
Basics of the German Political System
- Germany's 16 federal states (Bundesländer) form a federal structure with a separation of powers.
- Article 20 of the German constitution (GG) defines Germany as a federal democracy and social state.
- It comprises a bicameral parliament: the Bundestag and the Bundesrat.
- Article 1 of the GG addresses human rights.
Liberal Democratic Basic Order
- Principles of the German liberal democratic system:
- Respect for human rights
- Sovereignty of the people
- Separation of powers
- Responsibility of government
- Lawfulness of administration
- Independence of the judiciary
- Multi-party principle
- Equality of opportunity for all parties
- Right of opposition
Characteristics of Federalism
- Key features of German federalism:
- Regional representation
- Preservation of diversity
- Subsidiarity principle
- Financial compensation system
- Benefits of the federal system
- Institutionalized power sharing
- Coordination mechanisms
- Flexible problem-solving
- Integration of diversity
- Negative sides of the federal system
- Cost externalization and national debt
- Reduced innovation and experimentation
- Low efficiency and transparency
COVID-19 Period
- The federal system played a crucial role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Guidelines were established, but states had significant autonomy in implementing regional regulations.
The Bundesrat
- The Bundesrat is the second chamber of the German parliament.
- It consists of members from the 16 state governments.
- The number of seats is proportionate to each state's population (ranging from 3 to 6).
- The Bundesrat holds significant veto power, especially for legislation requiring its approval.
Decision-Making Procedure
- The process for enacting laws in Germany involves the following steps:
- Origin of the draft legislation by government, Bundesrat, or Bundestag
- First reading
- Second reading
- Third reading
- Bundesrat debate
- Approval or objection
Types of Laws
- There are two categories of laws in Germany:
- Zustimmungspflichtige Gesetze (consent laws): Require Bundesrat approval
- Einspruchgesetze (objection laws): Bundesrat can object, but cannot veto.
The Bundestag
- The Bundestag is the primary legislative body in Germany.
- Members of the Bundestag (MdB) represent the people and work independently.
- The Bundestag has various organizational levels:
- Plenary
- Groups (Fraktionen)
- Committees
Functions of the Bundestag
- Electing judges of constitutional courts and choosing the Chancellor.
- Creating and passing laws.
- Checking government actions and ensuring legal compliance.
- Acting as a voice for the German people.
The Bundesrat
- The Bundesrat is the federal council formed by representatives of Germany's 16 states.
- It has the power to veto laws passed by the Bundestag, though this power is rarely used.
Decision-Making Procedure (Bundestag and Bundesrat)
- In cases of disagreement, the Bundestag and Bundesrat attempt to reach a compromise.
- If no compromise is possible, the Bundestag can pass laws by majority vote.
Types of Conflicts
- Three types of conflicts arise in the German government:
- State/Land level conflicts
- Conflicts between different governmental departments
- Party-political differences
The Federal Government
- The federal government is headed by the Chancellor.
- The Chancellor is elected by the Bundestag.
- The Chancellor sets the overall direction of the government.
- The Federal Ministers work independently within their departments and coordinate as a cabinet.
Election of the Chancellor
- The Chancellor is elected by the Bundestag without debate.
- The Federal President nominates the candidate.
- The person receiving the majority of the votes is elected.
Replacement of the Government
- The Chancellor may be removed from office through:
- Constructive no-confidence vote
- Questions of trust (where, if no confidence is received by the majority, dissolution of the Bundestag is possible).
Characteristics of Ministers
- Ministers are primarily chosen based on party affiliation.
- Secondary criteria include past political experience, party position, and demographic factors.
- Ministerial staff support ministers in their roles, with the foreign ministry employing numerous personnel abroad.
Chancellor Democracy
- The Chancellor holds significant authority and dominance in the German system.
- Close ties exist between the chancellery and party leadership.
- There is a strong polarization between the government and opposition groups, impacting foreign policy.
Coalition Formation
- Coalition formation depends on vote percentages and party preferences.
- Party preferences and the preferences of party leaders contribute to coalition partnerships.
Past Chancellors
- Several notable past German Chancellors, including Adenauer, Erhard, Kiesinger, Brandt, Schmidt, Kohl, Schröder, Merkel, and Scholz, each influenced policy and leadership during their respective terms.
German Government Actors
- Key actors shaping German policy and decision-making:
- Political parties
- Parliamentary fractions (parties within the Bundestag)
- The federal government
Interaction Between Actors
- Interactions occur through both formal and informal channels:
- Meetings between party leaders
- Negotiations for coalition building
- Coalition committees
Functions of Informal Arenas
- Making policy decisions amid contrasting viewpoints
- Resolving disputes within the federal government
- Legislative programs development
The Bundestag (Structure)
- Members are elected via a mixed electoral system.
- It has committees and party fractions for policy and legislative discussions.
Functions of the Bundestag (continued)
- Enacting federal laws
- Choosing the Federal Chancellor
- Approving the federal budget
- Supervising the federal government and administration
Party Discipline and Representation
- Fraktionsdisziplin is the principle of party discipline requiring party members to vote and act in alignment with their party's policy positions.
- Mandate types include direct and list mandates, determining how candidates are elected.
The 5% Threshold
- Parties need to achieve a 5% threshold of the national vote or win at least three direct mandates to enter the Bundestag.
- This requirement has faced criticism for excluding minor parties.
Types of Parliamentary Questioning
- Several types of questioning occur in the Bundestag:
- Minor interpellations (Kleine Anfragen)
- Major interpellations (Große Anfragen)
- Oral questions (Mündliche Fragen)
- Question hours (Fragestunden)
The Federal President
- The Federal President is head of state.
- Responsibilities include proposing, appointing, dismissing ministers, signing laws, representing Germany internationally, and ratifying treaties.
- The Federal President is elected by the Federal Convention (Bundesversammlung) for a five-year term.
Order of Precedence
- An ordered list of precedence of key officials in Germany's federal system, including the Federal President, President of the Bundestag, Federal Chancellor, President of the Bundesrat, and President of the Federal Constitutional Court.
The Federal Constitutional Court
- The Federal Constitutional Court has a bipartite structure of two senates, each comprising eight judges.
- Judges are selected by the Bundestag and Bundesrat with a two-thirds majority.
- Cores responsibilities include protecting citizens' fundamental rights and ensuring laws comply with the Basic Law.
Functions of the Court
- Control of Political and Social Actors
- Norm Control and Legal Adaptation
- Constitutional Adjustment
- Integration
- Legitimation
- Thematization
- Intra-Constitutional Prerogatives
- Communication
Criticism of the Court
- The Federal Constitutional Court has been criticised for appearing as a legislative substitute, impeding parliamentary processes, excessively protecting individuals, and facing public backlash over decisions on controversial rulings.
Norm Control Procedures
- Concrete and Abstract Norm Control procedures are used by the Court.
- Procedures include evaluating laws for compliance to the Basic Law.
- Disputes between federal and state governments can also be handled by the court.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the German political system, including the roles of the Bundestag and Bundesrat, the types of laws, and the historic context of the Weimar Republic. This quiz covers essential terms and concepts related to contemporary German governance and legislation.