Youth Policymaking in Germany

The Bundestag is the legislative branch of the German political system, together with the Bundesrat. It is the only federal institution whose members are directly elected by the public; in turn, the Bundestag elects the Chancellor .

The Bundesrat represents the Federal States (Länder), and its members are appointed by the respective governments. The participation of the Bundesrat in the legislative process depends on whether its consent is constitutionally required for a bill to become law. If consent is not required, the Bundesrat can only object to the bill and the Bundestag can overturn its objection with the necessary majority. Each Land has its own local Government which can promulgate local laws, as is the case for youth policy (different "Jugendpläne" are available in each State).

The Bundeskanzler (or Bundeskanzlerin, if she is a woman) is the head of the Federal Government. They are elected by the Bundestag on the basis of a proposal made by the Federal President. The Bundeskanzler*in has central executive authority and decides the composition of the Federal Government.

The Bundespräsident is the head of the German state. They are involved in the formation of the Government and, within the policymaking process, have the power of promulgating new laws. They also have veto power, veto power since each law must be signed by the President before it can come into force.

Federal-level Ministry supporting families, elderly, women and children, ensuring equal rights between women and men, protecting children from abuses of all kinds and looking after policies for senior citizens.