Do different German states have different laws?
German law is still strongly influenced by federalism, and the individual states (Länder) each have their own responsibilities and particular laws, which can be seen as inefficient, but allows for regional variation and promotes meaningful regional democratic responsibility.
Is Bundestag and Reichstag same?
Reichstag, building in Berlin that is the meeting place of the Bundestag (“Federal Assembly”), the lower house of Germany’s national legislature.
Is Germany a socialist government?
Section 1, Article 1: “The German Democratic Republic is a socialist state of workers and peasants. It is the political organization of the working people of town and country under the leadership of the working class and its Marxist-Leninist party”.
What’s the drinking age in Germany?
16
The legal drinking age in Germany is 16, though kids must wait until they’re 18 to drink spirits.
What is the normal tenure of the members of Bundestag?
The Bundestag is elected for four years, and new elections must be held between 46 and 48 months after the beginning of its electoral term, unless the Bundestag is dissolved prematurely. Its term ends when the next Bundestag convenes, which must occur within 30 days of the election.
What power does the Bundesrat have?
The Bundesrat has the right to introduce bills into the Bundestag. The bills are sent to the Federal Government for comment. The Federal Government is required to forward the bill within six weeks – in special cases, within three or nine weeks – to the Bundestag.
What is the meaning of Bundesrat?
Definition of Bundesrat : a federal council especially having legislative or executive functions: such as. a : the upper house of the German and Austrian parliaments composed of members selected by the state governments.
What are the powers of the Bundestag in Germany?
If federal laws infringe on regional powers, the Bundesrat is tasked with registering dissent and blocking those laws. Importantly, the chamber can also veto changes to the German constitution – a hugely important check on the Bundestag’s power. By contrast, the Bundestag is fully elected and much more powerful.
What is the role of the Bundesrat in Germany?
The Bundesrat participates in legislation, alongside the Bundestag, the directly elected representation of the people of Germany, with laws affecting state competences and all constitutional changes requiring the consent of the body.
Where is the seat of the Bundestag in Germany?
In 2000, the Bundesrat moved to Berlin, as the Bundestag had done the year before. The Berlin seat of the Bundesrat is the former Prussian House of Lords building. The Bundesrat wing in Bonn is still used as a second seat. For the Federal Diet of 1815, the basic law (Bundesakte) established two different formations.
What happens when the Bundestag elects a new Chancellor?
The Bundestag elects the Chancellor, meaning that candidates must command a majority of representatives. When elections take place, the composition of the Bundestag will generally change. If the current Chancellor retains their majority, they are free to form another government.