The central objective of this book is to deepen understanding in the English speaking world of the West German federal system. It evaluates the effectiveness of that system in practice, both over recent history and in the time of the great challenge of re-unification.

This book provides a detailed introduction to how the Lander (the 16 states of Germany) function not only within the country itself but also within the wider context of European political affairs. Some knowledge of the role of the Lander is essential to an understanding of the political system as well as of German federalism. This book traces the origin of the Lander. It looks at their place in the constitutional order of the country and the political and administrative system. Their organization and administration are fully covered, as is their financing. Parties and elections in the Lander and the controversial roles of parliaments and deputies are also examined.

Research Paper (undergraduate) from the year 2020 in the subject Politics - Political Systems - Germany, grade: 1,3, Fairleigh Dickinson University, College at Florham, language: English, abstract: What are the main differences between the federalist model of Germany and the dual federalism of the USA? How do the federalism designs in the US compared to Germany affect their ability to respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic? This paper is intended to show the status of the German federal states in the Federal Council model and the position of the American states in the Senate model. The author examines which role the member states play in the two very different concepts and shows how individual state interests can be perceived at the federal level. Federalism is a widely used form of government. In addition to Germany and the United States, for example, Canada, Argentina and Nigeria are also federally organized. All states have in common to be territorially divided into individual member states. However, there are clear differences in the number, size and competencies of these states, in addition to the degree of federalism.

This book explores the German idea of federalism denoting 'diversity within unity'. Historians, linguists and political scientists examine how federalism emerged in the Holy Roman Empire, was re-shaped by nineteenth-century cultural movements, and was adopted by the unified state in 1871 and again after 1945. The myth of federalism as a safeguard against totalitarianism is tested in regard to the Third Reich and the GDR. The book concludes with an outlook on German federalism's future in Europe.

This electronic version has been made available under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) open access license. An illuminating introduction to how the Lander (the sixteen states of Germany) function not only within the country itself but also within the wider context of European political affairs. Looks at the Lnader in the constitutional order of the country, and the political and administrative system. Their organization and administration is fully covered, as is their financial administration. The role of parties and elections in the Lander is looked at, and the importance of their parliaments. The first work in the English language that considers the Lander in this depth.

Federalism in Germany has come to be viewed as the root cause of the country’s current economic and social malaise. The federal political system which contributed enormously to the economic success and political stability of West Germany is now said to be outdated, overburdened and unworkable. German federalism is now widely seen as being synonymous with Reformstau (reform blockage) and Stillstand (inertia). Critics argue that the system urgently needs to change if Germany is to continue to compete in the global system. This major new text offers a unique scholarly evaluation of the major recent attempts to overhaul Germany’s federal political architecture. It brings together thematic chapters by leading authorities on German federalism to provide a comprehensive assessment of the reform processes to date, their inception, scope, objectives and outputs. The contributions provide new insights into the dynamics of reform in key policy areas such as economic policy, Europe and the tax equalisation system, as well as in the institutional frameworks for decision-making. It will be essential reading for students of Germany, its politics, law and economics. This book was published as a special issue of the German Politics.