Final Blog Assignment



After having the opportunity to study German in the heart of Berlin where it all happens, I have noticed that the biggest difference from the American system is party representation. In comparison with Germany, a personal choice of political identity is lacking in the American system. Germany’s political atmosphere is not just limited to two viable options; Democratic and Conservative. Instead, the Bundestag and Bundesrat are represented by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) / Christian Social Union (CSU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Free Democratic Party (FDP), and The Greens.

Some might argue that the United States has more than just the two main powerhouse parties, evoking examples such as the Libertarian, Independent and Green parties. The difference with these 3rd parties is that a vote for them is broadly considered a vote thrown away. Surely, there can be no way that the great general American public can have only 1 of 2 stances on political, economic, social, militaristic and other policies. Many citizens feel trapped with the options presented, not feeling that either party represents their personal positions adequately. This is largely untrue for German citizens because of all the political avenues presented.

Post World War II Germany has had a greater range of political party options for its citizens. According to the authors of The Politics of New Germany, “[officials] believed that structured competition between parties within a democratic system of governance would facilitate popular representation and ensure political accountability – things that had been missing in the dismal Wiemar Republic” (pg. 76). Germany had learned its lesson and took steps to help insure that one super power party could’t claim governmental dominance. In concordance with this strategy, “at the first federal election in 1949, ten parties managed to poll over 1 percent of the vote, and all of them managed to gain some sort of representation in parliament” (pg. 77). Being brought up in the American two party system, it is almost inconceivable for me to grasp having the choice between 1 of 10 different political paths.

In the Bundestag, there is generally never a majority of one party. This therefore requires coalitions to be formed in order for any legislation to pass. This strategy is wise for Germany because since so much compromise is needed for any legislation to pass, it hard for any sort of extreme left or right party to become very influential. Generally a moderate approach is taken to all policies since this give and take must occur. To me, this is a very important aspect of German politics, given its history, to try to insure that a radical group could never again take control of office.

The German government, largely influenced by the US, offers more representational avenues for its people. It seems that the German government is a sort of high bred of the American system, having the time to learn how to iron out difficulties through the over two hundred years it’s been in operation in the US. Having one's voice heard and represented in government is vital to the democratic process. In my opinion, the German political system is superior to that of the United States because it's more effectivly doing its job: representing a broader range of positions.