The Bundesrat: the representation of the states

In short: Through the Bundesrat, the 16 federal states take part in federal legislation and administration and in matters concerning the European Union. It is a constitutional body in its own right alongside the Bundestag.

In more detail: The Bundesrat is not elected directly. Its members are members of the state governments, who are sent by their respective state.

In detail

• Distribution of votes: Depending on its population, each state has three to six votes. Large states therefore carry more weight, but small states have proportionally more than their population alone would give them.
• Votes cast as a block: A state’s votes can only be cast uniformly. Coalitions in a state that cannot agree therefore often abstain, which in many votes has the same effect as a no vote.
• Laws requiring consent: For laws that particularly affect the states, for example certain taxes or administration by the states, the consent of the Bundesrat is essential.
• Laws open to objection: For other laws the Bundesrat can raise an objection, which the Bundestag can override with a corresponding majority.
• Mediation committee: If the Bundestag and Bundesrat cannot agree, a joint committee made up of members of both bodies can look for a compromise.
• Amending the Basic Law: Changing the Basic Law requires a two-thirds majority in both the Bundestag and the Bundesrat.
• Own initiatives: The Bundesrat can itself introduce draft laws into the Bundestag.
• Presidency: The office of President of the Bundesrat rotates every year among the heads of the state governments. When necessary, the President of the Bundesrat deputises for the Federal President.
• Context: The Bundesrat is a core element of German federalism and works closely with the Bundestag (foederalismus-und-staatsaufbau-in-deutschland, bundestag-aufgaben-und-arbeitsweise).