The Transfer of Power Hypothesis and the German Länder: In Need of Modification

Conventional wisdom ascribes to Land parliaments at best a supporting role in German politics and a minor influence on public decision making. Land parliaments are often dismissed as having few substantial legislative or other functions. However, a closer analysis reveals a more complex picture. Even though the legislative function of Land parliaments is limited, these regional bodies of representation are indispensable institutions for the German federal system. This article analyzes the legislative role, the elective function, and the participation of Land parliaments in coalition building as well as developments in the Land party systems. It is shown that in these areas the Land level is more important than is commonly thought. Recent changes indicate that Land parliaments may play an even more pronounced role in the future. The prevailing theoretical approach that sees federalism dominating German consensus democracy thus seems too general. Copyright 2006, Oxford University Press.