German Politics Today

by Geoffrey K . Roberts (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2000

  $4.34

  A survey of the German political system, based on information covering the period since the 1998 Bundestag election and the new coalition government under Chancellor Schroder. An overview of the historical background to the present-day political system, including the steps that led to German reunification in 1990, is followed by analysis of the institutions of political participation (election, parties and interest groups) and the institutions of government (the constitution, the legislature, chancellor government and the federal system). The book concludes by considering the symbiotic relationship between Germany and Europe, and assesses how apt it is to consider Germany to be a normal democracy today. The author draws on German as well as English-language sources of data, and special features include boxes explaining certain topics, a chronology of events leading to German reunification, and examples of interest groups officially registered with the Bundestag.

• New

  Paperback
  2009

  $23.26

  This revised and updated edition provides the reader with a comprehensive description and analysis of the institutions of the German political system. The historical development of German politics is surveyed, and special attention is given to the causes, course and consequences of German reunification. Where more detailed explanations of special topics are required, such as surplus seats in the electoral system, or the political career of Chancellor Merkel, these are provided in boxes set within the relevant chapters. Some information is provided in tabular form, such as the list of federal chancellors and federal presidents, the membership of trade unions, or election results. Appendices contain examples of important constitutional court cases, plus a survey of the political features of the sixteen Lander which make up the federal structure of the state. Each chapter offers suggestions for further reading. Accessibly written, with suggestions for further reading, this book offers a sound basis for all undergraduate courses focused on, or including, study of the German political system. The author's familiarity with all aspects of the German political system is evident from the authority with which he explains the structures and processes which form the basis of German politics.