Law of GermanyModule 2
Federalism, government and the Constitutional Court: the Länder, the Bundestag and Bundesrat, the President, the Chancellor and constitutional review
The Basic Law builds a **parliamentary democracy** inside a **federal state**. The Bundestag, elected by the people, makes federal laws and elects the Chancellor, who runs the Government; the Bundesrat represents the sixteen Länder and takes part in federal legislation and administration; and the Federal President is a largely ceremonial head of state. Over them stands the **Federal Constitutional Court** in Karlsruhe, which has the power to declare statutes void and to hear complaints from individuals, and which has become one of the most influential constitutional courts in the world. This module takes these institutions one at a time, beginning with the distinctive way in which power is divided between the Federation and the Länder.
This course explains the law of Germany, not US law. Rules that look the same elsewhere may be different.
Module 1 of this course is free, and this is not it. Unlock the whole course below, or go back to the course page.
Two Ways In
Introductory PriceGerman Law: buy it on its own, or get it with the Courses & AI Lab Pass
Unlock all of German Law on its own with a one-time purchase, or get it as part of a Courses & AI Lab Pass, which also covers every course and the other paid tools. A member never needs to buy it separately.
This is an early, introductory price for a brand-new product — it’s expected to rise as we add more content. Buy now and it’s yours at today’s rate, forever.
No account needed: you pay, and we email you a one-click sign-in.
Courses & AI Lab Pass is $29.99 a month or $249 a year, and covers every course and most tools, this one included. Create a free account to subscribe.
Look first, then buy. Free previews on every product page. Secure payment by Stripe. Pay once, keep it forever. Details
See what is included in the Courses & AI Lab Pass →General education on German law, using invented people and businesses. It states constitutional provisions, codes and landmark decisions in simplified form, and it is not legal advice. The law changes and every case turns on its facts. Consult a lawyer qualified in Germany for any real matter.
Teaching? Share this with your class
Free to use in class. The free parts open for everyone, no account needed.