The Federal Republic of Germany
The President: Joachim Gauck
![Picture](/uploads/3/2/6/5/3265042/2623629.jpg)
Joachim Gauck has been serving as German president since March 18, 2012. Usually, German presidents prevent themselves from being too politically active. However, Gauck makes his political opinions known. Mainly, he campaigns against left or right wing extremism. Although he attempts to be politically active, Gauck's role in the country is mainly ceremonial.
For more biographical information on the president, or to view one of his speeches, click the button below.
For more biographical information on the president, or to view one of his speeches, click the button below.
The Chancellor: Angela Merkel
![Picture](/uploads/3/2/6/5/3265042/3969800.jpg)
Angela Merkel is the leader of the Christian Democratic Party. Originally elected in 2009, Merkel is the first woman Chancellor. Also, so is the first Ossi (person from eastern Germany origin) Chancellor. Merkel is known for being extremely strict with her foreign affairs policies, especially in regards to bailing out other countries during the euro-crisis. This attitude has earned her positive feedback from conservatives. Liberals, however, worry that she is extremely desensitized. Currently, her decision to remove all German power plants from the country is earning her some extra scrutiny from her opposition. On a positive note, Forbes has recently declared her the #1 most powerful woman in the world.
In 2009, Angela Merkel spoke to the US congress and President Obama about world affairs. A video of her speech is posted below.
In 2009, Angela Merkel spoke to the US congress and President Obama about world affairs. A video of her speech is posted below.
How The German Government Functions
As of today, Germany still uses the Basic Law as its constitution. Despite its extensive history of being a powerful empire, Germany has functioned as a federal republic since the fall of the third reich. This type of governmental system is significantly more democratic than previous government regimes in the country. There are five main bodies of the German government that make up its structure; The president, the chancellor, the Bundesrat (Federal Council), the Bundestag (Federal Parliament), and the Bundesverfassungsgericht (Supreme Court).
Essentially, the president's role is merely ceremonial, and much like that of the British Queen. The Bundesrat does not really have much power. If the president were to be unable to perform his duties, they would take his place. The real power within the legislative branch lies with the Bundestag. Parliament is the law making body of Germany. The chancellor holds the most power in government, and is the leader of the parliamentary party. Similar to the United States, the main job of the Bundesverfassungsgericht is to determine whether or not German laws are constitutional.
For a more in depth analysis of the current German Government, including a break down of each section of government's responsibilities, and a complete list of current political parties, click the button below.
Essentially, the president's role is merely ceremonial, and much like that of the British Queen. The Bundesrat does not really have much power. If the president were to be unable to perform his duties, they would take his place. The real power within the legislative branch lies with the Bundestag. Parliament is the law making body of Germany. The chancellor holds the most power in government, and is the leader of the parliamentary party. Similar to the United States, the main job of the Bundesverfassungsgericht is to determine whether or not German laws are constitutional.
For a more in depth analysis of the current German Government, including a break down of each section of government's responsibilities, and a complete list of current political parties, click the button below.