Federalism and self-government : Germany

The name “Federal Republic of Germany” itself denotes the country’s federal structure. The Federal Republic Consists of 16 Lander (states). The Lander are not mere provinces but states endowed with their own powers. Each has a constitution which must be consistent with the republican, democratic and social principles embodied in the Basic Law. Subject to these conditions they can shape their constitutions as they see fit.

Federalism is one of the constitutional principles that nnay not be tampered with. But this is not to say that the constituent states may not be altered. Provision for boundary adjustments has been made in the Basic Law. The Joint Commission on the Constitution of the federal and state governments has proposed simpler procedures.

The federal system has a long tradition in Germany and Was interrupted only by the National Socialist unitary state of 1933-1945. Germany is one of the classical federal states. Federalism has proved its worth: It is much easier for a country with a federal structure than a centralized state to take account of regional characteristics and problems.