The German Bundestag [antikvár]

To the reader'-' As a citizen and a member of the electorate, you helped to shape the composition of the German Bundestag for its 14th electoral term (1998-2002). Now, having picked up this book, you will have an opportunity to inform yourself more thoroughly about the aspects of Parliament which interest you most. Parliamentary democracy relies on your vigilance and interest. That is why the German Bundestag has published this volume, which contains a clear and concise description of its functions and procedures and of the passage of legislation. The all-German elections on 27 September 1998 were the third to take place since German reunification on 3 October 1990. Ten years after this momentous event, we now take it for granted that all Germans share a common constitution, the Basic Law. Although we still have some work to do in ensuring that Germany grows together not only in institutional but also in intellectual, social and economic terms, the fact that our common democratic constitution is now fifty years old is a source of pride and self-confidence for our country. Half a century of peace, freedom, democracy and the rule of law - set against the epochs of world history, this might not appear to be much, but is the first such period in German history and hence a major achievement. We can further build on this success so long as we all - not only the often ill-defined "policymakers" but every member of society -are prepared to commit ourselves to the goals and principles on which it is based. If they are to remain alive and strong, freedom and democracy need the support of society as a whole. Consent is the indispensable cornerstone of any political order based on liberty; not consent to each individual political decision, but consent to the fundamentals - to the constitution and to the procedures for political decision-making. This book sets out to foster this commitment. If members of the general public are to form an opinion on current issues, they must understand them in all their ramifications. Regardless of whether one wishes to discuss, to criticize, to reject or to approve a given * This is the English edition of a book addressed to readers in Germany.