Abstract
Policymaking in the German federal system is influenced by the dynamic interplay of the institutions of cooperative federalism, of party competition in a parliamentary system, and of distributive conflicts between governments. This is shown in an analysis of 50 years of German federalism. It is argued that while the institutional setting outlived most reform efforts, changing patterns of party politics and growing distributive conflicts induced adjustments in intergovernmental relations. Since the 1980s, such adjustments have also been stimulated by European politics. In unified Germany, intergovernmental cooperation is now burdened with asymmetries between the East and the West, which are also expressed in a more regionalized party system. However, as party political confrontations have diminished, a pragmatic revision of the federal system seems feasible.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.