Citizens’ action groups. A fairly new type of association is the citizens’ action group, many of which have been formed since the early 1970s. Citizens get together, usually spontaneously, to try to remedy a grievance when they feel a matter has been neglected by public authorities or parliaments. In most cases local issues are at stake, for example a children’s playground, the preservation of old trees due to be felled to make way for a road, or efforts to prevent the extension of an airport. Sometimes action groups pursue contradictory aims: One may campaign for a bypass road to reduce traffic in a residential area, for instance, while another may oppose such a road for ecological reasons.

Citizens’ action groups have achieved many objectives, especially at the local level, putting forward new ideas and exhibiting a willingness to compromise. Citizens’ action groups also operate nationwide. The government welcomes and supports groups that draw attention to social problems and play a constructive part in their solution. It is a basic right of all Germans to organize and take part in peaceful demonstrations. However, the final decision on controversial matters lies with the democratically elected governments and parliaments. They are bound to take the decisions that are best for the community as a whole. It is therefore important that individuals and citizens’ action groups become involved as soon as possible in the preparation of government decisions, especially in the planning stage. Some legislation, for instance the Federal Building Act, already provides for such civic participation.