Germany

Law-making

Data on parliament’s law-making role and activities

Legislative activity

Number of laws adopted by parliament, per year
115 (2022)
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Total number of laws adopted by Parliament in the previous legislature
537 (2021)
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Number of laws adopted in the previous legislature that were initiated by parliament
100 (2021)
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Number of laws adopted in the previous legislature that were initiated by the government
437 (2021)
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Dates of the previous legislature
24.10.2017 to 26.10.2021
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Outcome when the two chambers cannot agree on a piece of draft legislation For bicameral parliaments: Outcome when the two chambers cannot agree on a piece of draft legislationNot applicable; The legislation cannot be adopted unless both chambers agree; The decision of the lower chamber will take effect after a certain deadline; The decision of the upper chamber will take effect after a certain deadline; Other (please specify) For bicameral parliaments: Outcome when the two chambers cannot agree on a piece of draft legislation
Other (please specify)
Notes
Normally, bills adopted by the Bundestag can only be vetoed by the Bundesrat. In that case, the objection of the Bundesrat can be overridden by a decision of the majority of the Members of the Bundestag. However, some bills (which are mentioned in the Constitution) need the explicit consent of the Bundesrat. If this consent is denied, the bill fails definitely.
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Constitution, Articles 77 & 78

Executive-legislative relations

Legislation adopted by parliament requires the assent of the Head of State In some countries, the Constitution foresees that legislation adopted by parliament must be signed into law by the Head of State. If so, the Head of State may, for example, have the power to veto the legislation, return it to parliament, or submit it to another body such as a constitutional court.
Yes
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
According to the prevailing view in German jurisprudence, the Federal President can deny assent only in cases where the law was not enacted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution (formal unconstitutionality) or if the unconstitutionality with regard to content is evident.

Constitution, Article 82
Number of times the Head of State declined to give assent to legislation, per year
(2022)
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Consequences when the Head of State declines to give assent to legislation Consequences when the Head of State declines to give assent to legislation: Not applicable; No further action is taken. The legislation is rejected; The legislation is returned to Parliament for re-examination; The legislation is referred to the Constitutional/Supreme Court;The legislation is put to a referendum; Other (please specify)
No further action is taken. The legislation is rejected
Not applicable. The Head of State cannot decline to give assent to legislation adopted by parliament
No
Final decision when parliament and the Head of State do not agree Final decision when parliament and the Head of State do not agree: Not applicable; Parliament; Head of State; Constitutional/Supreme Court; Other (please specify)
Existence of a procedure to introduce emergency legislation
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Not applicable. There is no procedure to introduce emergency legislation.
No