Beginning of Essay
On October 3, 1990, the states of the German Democratic Republic (East ) shed their last ties to their Soviet created structure and joined the Federal Republic of (West ). The 23rd article of West 's 1949 constitution, the Basic Law, had been drafted specificall ....

Middle of Essay
.... is a federation. The powers of the states cannot be reduced. Each of the federal states and Berlin has its own constitution, a democratically elected Parliament, a government, administrative agencies and independant courts. However, states are binding to the federal constitution, the federal constitution is binding upon the states and the federal parliament is responsible for major legislation and policy. The state parliaments main responsibility is in two major policy areas: education, and law and order. Administration of federal legislation is mainly the responsibility of the states, allowing for greater consideration of local needs and issues. Th ....