This revised and updated edition provides the reader with a comprehensive description and analysis of the institutions of the German political system. The historical development of German politics is surveyed, and special attention is given to the causes, course and consequences of German reunification. Where more detailed explanations of special topics are required, such as surplus seats in the electoral system, or the political career of Chancellor Merkel, these are provided in boxes set within the relevant chapters. Some information is provided in tabular form, such as the list of federal chancellors and federal presidents, the membership of trade unions, or election results. Appendices contain examples of important constitutional court cases, plus a survey of the political features of the sixteen Länder which make up the federal structure of the state. Each chapter offers suggestions for further reading.Accessibly written, with suggestions for further reading, this book offers a sound basis for all undergraduate courses focused on, or including, study of the German political system. The author's familiarity with all aspects of the German political system is evident from the authority with which he explains the structures and processes which form the basis of German politics.

Geoffrey K. Roberts is Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Government, University of Manchester

PrefaceAbbreviationsGlossary1. The creation of present-day Germany2. The context of politics in reunified Germany3. The development of the political system of the Federal Republic4. The electoral system and electoral politics5. The party-state6. The federal structure7. Chancellor democracy8. Parliamentary politics9. Interest group politics10. Germany and Europe11. Germany: a `normal democracy?Index