Who Is in the Bundesrat? Germany's Federal Council

You study for the German citizenship test. You read the word "Bundesrat" again and again. But who actually sits there? Many learners mix up the Bundesrat with the Bundestag. This article clears up the confusion, step by step.

What Is the Bundesrat?

Germany has five constitutional organs (Verfassungsorgane). They are the Bundestag, the Bundesrat, the Federal Government, the Federal President, and the Federal Constitutional Court.

A "Bürgerversammlung" (citizens' assembly) is not one of them. This is a common trick in the citizenship test. Question 48 asks exactly this: which organ does not belong to Germany's constitutional organs? The answer is the Bürgerversammlung.

Who Are the Members of the Bundesrat?

The Bundesrat is not directly elected by citizens. Its members come from the governments of the 16 federal states (Bundesländer).

Each state government sends its own representatives. This rule stands in the Basic Law, Article 51 (Art. 51 GG). The article says the Bundesrat consists of members of the state governments. These governments appoint and recall their own members.

Each state has three to six votes. The number depends on the state's population. Bigger states like Bavaria get more votes. Smaller states like Bremen get fewer votes. In total, the Bundesrat has 69 votes.

Question 85 of the citizenship test asks: "Who forms the German Bundesrat?" The correct answer is: the government representatives of the federal states.

What Does the Bundesrat Do?

The Bundesrat represents the states in federal lawmaking. Article 50 of the Basic Law (Art. 50 GG) describes this role. Through the Bundesrat, the states take part in federal legislation and administration.

Both the Bundestag and the Bundesrat belong to the legislative branch. This branch makes the laws. Question 60 of the test asks about this directly. The answer is: Legislative.

Many federal laws need the Bundesrat's approval. These laws are called "Zustimmungsgesetze." Without this approval, such laws cannot pass. Other laws only need the Bundesrat's input, not its full approval.

How Do States Take Part in Federal Lawmaking?

Question 90 asks how German states take part in federal lawmaking. The answer is simple: through the Bundesrat.

The Bundesrat is the main channel between state governments and the federal government. Without it, states would have no direct voice in national laws.

Why State Elections Can Change National Politics

Have you noticed how much attention state elections get in the news? There is a clear reason for this.

A new state government can change who sits in the Bundesrat. If enough states elect new governments, the political majority in the Bundesrat can shift.

Question 91 explains this connection. When the majority in the Bundesrat changes, governing becomes harder for the federal government. The Chancellor's party might control the Bundestag. But it can still lose its majority in the Bundesrat. Then it needs more compromise to pass new laws.

Bundesrat vs. Bundestag: The Main Differences

	Bundestag	Bundesrat
Members	Elected by citizens	Sent by state governments
Main role	Central legislative body	Represents the 16 states
Elections	Every four years	No direct elections
Legal basis	Art. 38 GG	Art. 51 GG

Quick Overview: Test Questions About the Bundesrat

• Question 48: Which organ does not belong to Germany's constitutional organs? Answer: the Bürgerversammlung.
• Question 60: The Bundestag and Bundesrat belong to the ... Answer: Legislative.
• Question 85: Who forms the German Bundesrat? Answer: the government representatives of the federal states.
• Question 90: German states take part in federal lawmaking through ... Answer: the Bundesrat.
• Question 91: A change of government in a state can affect federal politics. Governing becomes ... Answer: harder, if this changes the majority in the Bundesrat.

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This article is information, not legal advice.