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The political system in Germany consists of many different institutions that function like gears and guarantee democratic elections and the protection of the Basic Law. Scroll down to get an overview of the political system and its institutions 👀 ⬇️

THE PEOPLE - All German citizens are entitled to vote from the age of 18. They elect their representatives in general, direct, free, equal and secret elections. They elect the Bundestag and the state parliaments.

BUNDESTAG - The Bundestag (federal parliament) is elected for four years and has 598 members. This number

can be increased as a result of so called “overhang” and “balancing” seats. The Bundestag is responsible for making laws and supervising the government. It elects the Federal Chancellor, half of the Federal Constitutional Court's judges and attends the Federal convention.

FEDERAL CONVENTION - The Federal Convention only meets for the election of the Federal President, who is elected for a term of five years in a secret ballot.

FEDERAL PRESIDENT - The head of state has primarily representational duties and represents the Federal Republic of Germany abroad. The Federal President appoints the Federal Chancellor and Federal Ministers and issues laws.

FEDERAL CHANCELLOR - The Federal Chancellor is elected by the Bundestag in a secret ballot. He or she determines policy guidelines and chairs the Cabinet. The Chancellor proposes the Federal Government.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT - The Government consists of the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Ministers. Each minister directs his or her department independently.

STATE PARLIAMENTS - As a rule, the legislative period of state parliaments is five years. Their powers and organisation are defined in state constitutions. The state parliaments elect the state governments and delegate the Federal Convention.

STATE GOVERNMENTS - A state government is elected in a secret ballot by the respective state parliament, which can also vote it out of office. It delegates the Bundesrat.

BUNDESRAT - The Bundesrat (federal council) is the parliamentary chamber that represents the 16 states and consists of 69 members delegated by state governments. Laws require the consent of the Bundesrat in many areas. It elects half of the Federal Constitutional Court's judges.

Find out more about the German democratic system here: http://ms.spr.ly/6183TVAhW