German

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Germany's political system is a federal parliamentary representative democracy, where power is shared between the federal government and 16 states, known as "Länder." The German government is structured into three branches: the executive, led by the Federal Chancellor; the legislative, which includes the Bundestag (Federal Parliament) and the Bundesrat (Federal Council); and the judiciary. The Federal President, serving primarily ceremonial duties, represents the country on a global level. Elections for the Bundestag are held every four years, using a mixed-member proportional representation system, allowing Germans to vote for both a candidate and a political party. Major political parties in Germany include the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP), The Greens, and Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The Federal Chancellor is the head of government, wielding significant authority over the direction of German policies, especially concerning the economy, foreign affairs, and social issues. Currently, the Chancellor's position is typically held for four-year terms, though chancellors can be re-elected multiple times. In addition to the federal structure, Germany’s political landscape includes a robust system of state-level governance, with each "Land" maintaining its constitution, government, and control over certain domestic policies, including education and law enforcement.

Germany’s political system promotes coalition governments, as no single party has held an absolute majority in recent decades. This coalition approach demands negotiation and cooperation across ideological lines to pass legislation, influencing the pace and nature of German policymaking. Germany's commitment to the European Union and NATO remains a focal point in its foreign policy, with an emphasis on collaboration with European and transatlantic partners. The country is a key player in the EU, participating actively in discussions on economic stability, environmental issues, and regional security.