Political System of Germany
Political system.
The Federal Republic of Germany is a federal state created by the German Federal Constitution
(Grundgesetz, Art. 20 (1)). Germany consists of
16 states (Lnder) each with their own constitution. Articles 70 et seq. of the constitution allocate legislative powers between the federal government and the states. The general rule is that a power not expressly granted the federal government (expressed in Articles 70,
71 and 73 of the Grundgesetz) is retained by the state, making the states relatively autonomous.
The federal government and the states have concurrent jurisdiction (police powers, cultural issues, local government matters, the application of civil and criminal law). Federal laws establish a framework for the individual states.
For instance, the federal law concerning the correctional system and its administration
(Strafvollzugsgesetz) serves as a model to the states. The states that have not adopted their own correctional law use the federal law as their guideline. If any conflict arises between a federal law and that of a State (Article 31 of the constitution) the federal law prevails. Germany's
Federal Constitutional Court, the highest court on constitutional matters, has held that the States have limited sovereign powers of their own that are not derived from the powers of the constitution. Members of parliament and the chancellor are elected officials. The chancellor defines the country's political strategies. While the Federal
Republic of Germany also has a president who serves as head of the state, this role more nearly resembles that of a dignitary, with little political power. However, the president does maintain power to veto legislative bills. The constitution,also referred to as the Basic Law, divides the powers of the judiciary, legislative and executive branches.
There are numerous political parties and alliances in German politics. The two major parties include the CDU
The Federal Republic of Germany is a federal state created by the German Federal Constitution
(Grundgesetz, Art. 20 (1)). Germany consists of
16 states (Lnder) each with their own constitution. Articles 70 et seq. of the constitution allocate legislative powers between the federal government and the states. The general rule is that a power not expressly granted the federal government (expressed in Articles 70,
71 and 73 of the Grundgesetz) is retained by the state, making the states relatively autonomous.
The federal government and the states have concurrent jurisdiction (police powers, cultural issues, local government matters, the application of civil and criminal law). Federal laws establish a framework for the individual states.
For instance, the federal law concerning the correctional system and its administration
(Strafvollzugsgesetz) serves as a model to the states. The states that have not adopted their own correctional law use the federal law as their guideline. If any conflict arises between a federal law and that of a State (Article 31 of the constitution) the federal law prevails. Germany's
Federal Constitutional Court, the highest court on constitutional matters, has held that the States have limited sovereign powers of their own that are not derived from the powers of the constitution. Members of parliament and the chancellor are elected officials. The chancellor defines the country's political strategies. While the Federal
Republic of Germany also has a president who serves as head of the state, this role more nearly resembles that of a dignitary, with little political power. However, the president does maintain power to veto legislative bills. The constitution,also referred to as the Basic Law, divides the powers of the judiciary, legislative and executive branches.
There are numerous political parties and alliances in German politics. The two major parties include the CDU