Government Systems and Political Ideologies

Germany

Germany (Deutschland) is also known officially as the Federal Republic of Germany. In this article, we are going to focus on how its political system works. In addition, we will also be studying briefly the level of development in Germany, as well as its economy and last but not least, to analyze why other political systems in the past were not able to survive long and failed eventually.

Germany

Introduction

Germany is a federal republic. This means that the nation comprises of a number of states under the rules of local governments united by the central or the federal government. The federal government is the second democracy in German history following the Weimar regime (1919-1933). The Basic Right, which later became the constitution of the present federal government, plays a vital part in the prosperity of the present Germany. It safeguards the rights of each individual, maintains law and order and defines Germany as a federal and welfare democratic (representative) state in which people are promised a decent standard of living no matter what.

The Political System

Much like any representative democracy or parliamentary state, Germany has a parliament consisting of Bundesrat and Bundestag(second chamber, much like the Senate) responsible for passing legislation. There is also a Federal Chancellor, similar to the role of a Premier, is the head of the government who nominates his ministers and determines their responsibilities. A federal president is also elected by the Federal Convention, which consists of members from Bundestag and an equal number of state representatives. He is somehow a diplomatic representative. The power to appoint members of high authority, legalize acts, dismiss government and dissolve parliament is vested in the president. However he does not have the power to stop a law or decision from being passed, in other word the right to veto but only to confirm that it has conformed to the Basic Rights.

Special features of the Federal system in Germany

When the founders of present political system in Germany were formulating the constitution, they vowed never to repeat the failure of the past.

The coalition of parties as general rule: This ensures that no single party to form a government on its own. This also limit the power of the federal chancellor as election of the president requires intensive discussion between the parties they planned to govern together and hence power is shared and not seized by one single party.

The 5 % threshold: This is implemented perhaps as a result of the lesson learned from the failure of Weimar government by its system of proportional representation (for example if a party gained 5% of the vote, they gained 5 % of the seats in the parliament). This keeps those small parties in troubling the majorities in the parliament.

Federal Constitutional court: It allows the authority and the citizens to present a complaint to abolish a law they found infringing the terms set in Basic Rights.

Economy and level of Development

In terms of economy, Germany is ranked third in the world. It is the largest exporter of goods. The living standard in Germany is a decent and high one with its high wage and variety of welfare benefits. Germany also attracts many investors because of its tax reform that has reduced the tax commitment of the companies to the government. In the Industry, automobile is the most important sector and is one of the top three automobile manufacturers. Germany’s service sector is also central to the development of its economy; it’s the single largest sector and out of total gross value added of EUR 2,003 billion in the country, service sector already contribute more than half of the amount all together. Moreover, Germany spends most resources on the innovative sector (research and development) in Europe.

Why Aristocracy and Dictatorship fails in Germany

Aristocracy here means the regime during the Second Reich under the leadership of Kaiser Wihelm and von Bismarch. Although there is a Universal suffrage for all man at or above the age of 25, the political power rests in the hand of the oligarchs, namely the nobles or the aristocrats. The Reichsrat, equivalent to the present Second Chamber of parliament in Germany the Bundesrat, has the right to veto legislation passed by Reichstag, the equivalence to today’s Bundestag. However in present Federal Republic of Germany, though the Bundesrat reserves the right to reject legislation passed by Bundestag, the latter also can overrule the objection with two-third majority. The Kaiser , or Emperor Wihelm believed in full autocracy. The power granted by the constitution made him the most influential man in politics. He often intervened in issues of policy and made decisions recklessly at whim based on “spontaneous likes and dislikes” and often changed his decision at the last minute. Such irresponsible behaviour made his governing ineffective.
The dictatorship here is, needless to say, referring to the Nazi regime under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. Individual freedom is suppressed and the people were in a perpetual atmosphere of anxiety and fear created by secret police, Gestapo and other instruments of terror. The unlimited power allowed Hitler to pursue his insane vision and policy unchecked, with 65% of European Jews massacred and the death of 5.5 billion German people eventually at the end of Second World War.

References

Coutsoukis , P. (1999, March 1). Germany Economy - Flags, Maps, Economy, Geography, Climate, Natural Resources, Current Issues, International Agreements,Population, Social Statistics, Political System. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.photius.com/wfb1999/germany/germany_economy.html.

Facts about Germany: Economy. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.tatsachen-ueber-deutschland.de/en/economy.html.

Facts about Germany: Political system. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.tatsachen-ueber-deutschland.de/en/political-system/.

Germany: The Second Reich. (2004, July 4). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.schoolshistory.org.uk/ASLevel_History/week1_thesecondreich.htm.

Twentieth Century Atlas - Death Tolls. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstat1.htm.

Wilhelm II Essay;Irresponsibility and a lack of central direction." Discuss the domestic policy of Kaiser Wilhelm II in the light of this judgment.". (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.pvhs.chico.k12.ca.us/~bsilva/projects/germany/2ndreich/wilhelm.paper.htm.

Walsh, B. (2004). GCSE Modern World History (2nd ed.). Great
Britain: John Murray Ltd.

	Germany Germany (Deutschland) is also known officially as the Federal Republic of Germany. In this article, we are going to focus on how its political system works. In addition, we will also be studying briefly the level of development in Germany, as well as its economy and last but not least, to analyze why other political systems in the past were not able to survive long and failed eventually. Introduction Germany is a federal republic. This means that the nation comprises of a number of states under the rules of local governments united by the central or the federal government. The federal government is the second democracy in German history following the Weimar regime (1919-1933). The Basic Right, which later became the constitution of the present federal government, plays a vital part in the prosperity of the present Germany. It safeguards the rights of each individual, maintains law and order and defines Germany as a federal and welfare democratic (representative) state in which people are promised a decent standard of living no matter what. The Political System Much like any representative democracy or parliamentary state, Germany has a parliament consisting of Bundesrat and Bundestag(second chamber, much like the Senate) responsible for passing legislation. There is also a Federal Chancellor, similar to the role of a Premier, is the head of the government who nominates his ministers and determines their responsibilities. A federal president is also elected by the Federal Convention, which consists of members from Bundestag and an equal number of state representatives. He is somehow a diplomatic representative. The power to appoint members of high authority, legalize acts, dismiss government and dissolve parliament is vested in the president. However he does not have the power to stop a law or decision from being passed, in other word the right to veto but only to confirm that it has conformed to the Basic Rights. Special features of the Federal system in Germany When the founders of present political system in Germany were formulating the constitution, they vowed never to repeat the failure of the past. The coalition of parties as general rule: This ensures that no single party to form a government on its own. This also limit the power of the federal chancellor as election of the president requires intensive discussion between the parties they planned to govern together and hence power is shared and not seized by one single party. The 5 % threshold: This is implemented perhaps as a result of the lesson learned from the failure of Weimar government by its system of proportional representation (for example if a party gained 5% of the vote, they gained 5 % of the seats in the parliament). This keeps those small parties in troubling the majorities in the parliament. Federal Constitutional court: It allows the authority and the citizens to present a complaint to abolish a law they found infringing the terms set in Basic Rights. Economy and level of Development In terms of economy, Germany is ranked third in the world. It is the largest exporter of goods. The living standard in Germany is a decent and high one with its high wage and variety of welfare benefits. Germany also attracts many investors because of its tax reform that has reduced the tax commitment of the companies to the government. In the Industry, automobile is the most important sector and is one of the top three automobile manufacturers. Germany’s service sector is also central to the development of its economy; it’s the single largest sector and out of total gross value added of EUR 2,003 billion in the country, service sector already contribute more than half of the amount all together. Moreover, Germany spends most resources on the innovative sector (research and development) in Europe. Why Aristocracy and Dictatorship fails in Germany Aristocracy here means the regime during the Second Reich under the leadership of Kaiser Wihelm and von Bismarch. Although there is a Universal suffrage for all man at or above the age of 25, the political power rests in the hand of the oligarchs, namely the nobles or the aristocrats. The Reichsrat, equivalent to the present Second Chamber of parliament in Germany the Bundesrat, has the right to veto legislation passed by Reichstag, the equivalence to today’s Bundestag. However in present Federal Republic of Germany, though the Bundesrat reserves the right to reject legislation passed by Bundestag, the latter also can overrule the objection with two-third majority. The Kaiser , or Emperor Wihelm believed in full autocracy. The power granted by the constitution made him the most influential man in politics. He often intervened in issues of policy and made decisions recklessly at whim based on “spontaneous likes and dislikes” and often changed his decision at the last minute. Such irresponsible behaviour made his governing ineffective. The dictatorship here is, needless to say, referring to the Nazi regime under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. Individual freedom is suppressed and the people were in a perpetual atmosphere of anxiety and fear created by secret police, Gestapo and other instruments of terror. The unlimited power allowed Hitler to pursue his insane vision and policy unchecked, with 65% of European Jews massacred and the death of 5.5 billion German people eventually at the end of Second World War. References Coutsoukis , P. (1999, March 1). Germany Economy - Flags, Maps, Economy, Geography, Climate, Natural Resources, Current Issues, International Agreements,Population, Social Statistics, Political System. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.photius.com/wfb1999/germany/germany_economy.html. Facts about Germany: Economy. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.tatsachen-ueber-deutschland.de/en/economy.html. Facts about Germany: Political system. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.tatsachen-ueber-deutschland.de/en/political-system/. Germany: The Second Reich. (2004, July 4). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.schoolshistory.org.uk/ASLevel_History/week1_thesecondreich.htm. Twentieth Century Atlas - Death Tolls. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstat1.htm. Wilhelm II Essay;Irresponsibility and a lack of central direction." Discuss the domestic policy of Kaiser Wilhelm II in the light of this judgment.". (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.pvhs.chico.k12.ca.us/~bsilva/projects/germany/2ndreich/wilhelm.paper.htm. Walsh, B. (2004). GCSE Modern World History (2nd ed.). Great Britain: John Murray Ltd.
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A to Z government systems A system where a Government is unnecessary and undesirable whichmeans that everything is based on voluntary cooperation by individuals and groups A system where a Government is unnecessary and undesirable which means that everything is based on voluntary cooperation by individuals and groups One person who has absolute rule over a country or a state and is usually hereditary or they claim as being given divine right with or without advisors. A system combining Anarchism and capitalism A system where there is no State or capitalism A system combing Anarchism and savagery where savagery means acceptance comes easily. A system where there are no hierarchies such as political or economic hierarchies. A system where labour is emphasized and thus it has trade unions that replace the State A system where there is more democratic decision-making A government with only a few people who are thought to be best qualified. A system where the people vote on the legislation and executive bills instead of electing leaders to do it for them. A concentration of power in a leader who is not constitutionally responsible to the people A one person government. A system that is ruled by enlightened monarchs. A system that is suitable for Islams as this system represents the political unity of the Muslims A system that combines republic and capitalism together. A system where the health of the community is the first priority A system where there is no such thing as a private property because the goods are owned by the government and is available to anyone if needed A system where many opinions are taken into consideration before making decisions The system of Constitutional Monarchy has a Head of State that does not change as the governments change and a Government. Only the elected Officials can pass laws, the Head of State acts as an advisor to the Officials. Leaders are elected by the people but the leaders have a limited power over the people and must go according to constitutional laws A system where there are civic assemblies which represents the country's economic, social, industry and cultural aspects A system where the making of laws must arise from the public if not the law cannot be approved. A system where there is democratic representations in a country without the use of elections. A democratic republic is a country where there is freedom of speech, election and press. A system where two rulers have equal shared absolute power over the country Government organization or group in with unlimited power A true democratic system where the people elect their leaders System where ruler with absolute power over the country. A system similar to that of tyranny where all is controlled by one man. A system ruled by dukes or duchesses A system combining Anarchism but with saving the environment as their first priority. A monarchy whose ruler is elected by the people. A monarchy that is Arab-suited A system that concentrates on the society's welfare as a whole and thus seeks patriotism. A system used by the medieval age where warriors and nobility rule. A system where the oldest are the leaders A system ruled by grand dukes or grand duchesses A system where the power lies with the loser level of government such as the name suggests, grassroots A system for the Jews because non-Jews would not be granted full citizenship. A monarchy where the kingship is passed to the sons when the father dies. A system with the Pope as its leader. A system where the people elect their leaders but the leaders have the freedom to do what they want. A system combining democracy with a religion, Islam A name that is given to many Muslim countries Government by those who want power and personal gain. A system where judges rule and rules by natural rights A system where judges rule but based on the judges opinions A system where the people elect the leaders to make decisions for them. A system which emphasizes on liberty, freedom for the people. A system where absolute power is given to magicians and wizards A government where females rule. Government by those with talent. A system where military force is used to establish freedom and liberty. A military-based government that has absolute rule over the country A system combining oligarchy, democracy and monarchy. A democratic system where there are no government parties. A small group which makes up the government which is usually corrupted and do things for their own sake. Government by the majority. A system where the people are allowed to coose whatever government system they want. A system similar to the parliamentary system except that the head of state does not have that much power. A system where the parliament checks on the executive branch of the government A system where voting is limited and where politicians take care of the governing of the country A system where the people vote on the legislation and executive bills instead of electing leaders to do it for them. Timocracy, Government controlled by the rich. A state where government uses police by means to control the life of the citizens. A monarchy where the monarch's title is linked to the people. A system where the executive branch is independent of the legislative branch. A monarchy where the monarch's title is prince A system combining democracy and religion A system where the government is elected by the people and the government has the responsibility in acting in people's interest. A system where there is restricted democracy A system where robots rule One person who proclaims himself as king which would usually lead to hereditary monarchy. A system similar to that of a presidential system except for the fact that the president and prime minister gets involved in everyday decision-making. A system where there is only 1 government party running the country and no other party is allowed to enter for elections. A system combining socialism and democracy A system that emphasizes on socialism that also has aspects of free market in its economy. A democratic system where workers are represented in government too. A system where the rulers are those highly-skilled and qualified. Maritime (relating to navigation or commerce on the sea) government Government of a state by divine rule, usually by people who are guided by the deities Government of a state by God. A democratic system where the leader is elected but has absolute rule. Absolute state which the people must follow orders from. Tribalism existed during the time of primitive men. Thus, it has a sense of primitive in it. However, it also emphasizes on communism and equality. A government ruled by an oppressive and severely unjust ruler. A system with administrative divisions governed by a person who is governed by the viceroy. A system combining democracy and parliamentary system which is somewhat similar to the United nations is adopting Auto: Manual: Drag Me