German Politics

German politics refers to the political system, practices, and institutions in the Federal Republic of Germany. It is characterized by a parliamentary democracy, where the Chancellor serves as the head of government and is elected by the Bundestag, the federal parliament. The political landscape in Germany is shaped by a multi-party system, with significant parties including the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), among others.

The German political framework is defined by its constitution, known as the Basic Law (Grundgesetz), which emphasizes principles such as democracy, the rule of law, and protection of human rights. Germany operates under a federal system, meaning that power is divided between the national government and individual federal states (Länder).

Elections are held at multiple levels, including federal, state, and local, and are typically characterized by high voter turnout. Coalition governments are common due to the proportional representation electoral system, which encourages a wide range of political voices and parties.

German politics also plays a significant role at the European level, being one of the founding members of the European Union and actively participating in its governance. The country is known for its pragmatic approach to international relations, economic policy, and social welfare.