Bundestag and Bundesrat

1
Bundestag and Bundesrat

• Democratic representation
• Bicameralism
• Functional Federalism

2
Functions, Election and Composition of the
Bundestag(Saalfeld, Conradt,

• Primary democratic linkage
• Electing the Chancellor, Changing Chancellors
• Legislative Process
• Primacy of Parties

3
Standing Committees

• Appointment of Committee chairs
• Proportional allocation of party seats
• Close cooperation between ministry and
  corresponding committee
• Most Prestigious committee? Budget
  (Haushaltsausschuss), with Opposition party in
  chair (today FDP)

4
Functions and Powers of the Bundesrat

• A Powerful Second Chamber
• The Importance of Land Elections
• Composition Who belongs?
• Mode of Voting within BR?
• Role in Legislative Process More than Veto
  Power?
• Influence in Mediation Committee?

5
Mediation Committee (Vermittlungsausschuss)

• Composition
• Powers
• Veto or Consensus Politics?

6
German Federalism(Jeffery, Conradt 9, Sturm)

• The German Federal Tradition
• Jurisdictional vs. Functional Federalism
• Länder in Federal Policy and Politics
• Power of the Bundesrat