German Politics refers to the political system, practices, and institutions governing the Federal Republic of Germany. It encompasses the framework of governance established by the Basic Law (Grundgesetz), which serves as the constitution of Germany. The political landscape is characterized by a parliamentary democracy, wherein the Chancellor acts as the head of government, while the President serves as the head of state with more of a ceremonial role.
Germany has a multi-party system, primarily featuring parties like the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Green Party, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), among others. Political decisions are made within the context of federalism, which divides authority between the national government and the 16 federal states (Bundesländer).
Key features of German politics include coalition-building due to the proportional representation electoral system, a strong emphasis on civil rights, social welfare policies, and the rule of law. Additionally, German politics is marked by its role within the European Union, influencing and being influenced by European policies and decisions. Current political debates often revolve around issues such as immigration, energy policy, economic stability, and Germany’s international role.