Abstract

Since unification German society and institutions have been challenged by various transformations and the need to adjust to changing conditions. While much has been accomplished, many political, legal, and institutional problems remain. This volume deals with selected aspects of domestic and European policy, political parties, the challenge of direct democracy, and federalism in unified Germany – all issues that have been the subject of much discussion, political posturing, legislation, and, to some extent, constitutional amendments and court decision for many years, if not decades. In conclusion, a British scholar looks at German federalism and a number of public policy issues from a comparative perspective and arrives at some surprising and encouraging results.

"[These papers] offer a variety of insightful analyses and perspectives. Taken individually, they provide informative, well-researched understandings of contemporary debates on German federalism and public policy…should be required reading for all scholars of comparative politics." Publius. The Journal of Federalism

Arthur B. Gunlicks is Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Richmond, Virginia. He has published widely on German politics, especially German federalism and party and campaign finance.