Germany is a federal parliamentary republic, where the Chancellor is the head of government, and the President is the head of state. The political system is based on the constitution known as the “Grundgesetz” (Basic Law), which went into effect on May 23, 1949.

The President of Germany is largely a ceremonial figure but represents the nation on the international stage. The President is elected for a five-year term by a federal convention, including the members of the Bundestag and an equal number of state delegates. The Chancellor, who is elected by the Bundestag, holds executive power and typically is the leader of the majority party or coalition. The Chancellor proposes cabinet ministers and guides the government’s policies.

The legislative branch consists of a bicameral parliament, the Bundestag (Federal Diet) and the Bundesrat (Federal Council). The Bundestag is elected through a mix of direct and proportional representation for a four-year term. The Bundesrat represents the 16 federal states and is composed of members of each state government. 

Legislation typically requires the consent of both houses. The judicial branch is independent and includes Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht), which oversees the constitutionality of laws.