Altering the voting rights is necessary
In a significant shift, a new election law enacted a year ago has abolished the exception rule for small parties in Bundestag elections. This change, aimed at making the second vote more influential, could potentially result in fewer politicians in the Bundestag after the federal election. Under the old rule, small parties could secure a seat in the Bundestag if they received less than 5% of the voter's votes and won in at least three electoral districts. However, this exception has now been removed, making the second vote, where citizens choose a party, more critical. The German Bundestag, the federal parliament, is where men and women make the laws for Germany. It is composed of members who are elected every four years through a federal election. In this election, citizens decide which politicians should sit in the Bundestag. Interestingly, with the first vote, one chooses a specific person, and with the second vote, one chooses a party. Two German parties, the CSU and 'The Left,' have expressed concerns about the fairness of the new election law. The CSU, known as the Christian Social Union, can only be voted for in the federal state of Bavaria. On the other hand, 'The Left,' with a focus on social policy, is stronger in East Germany than in West Germany. The CSU and 'The Left' argued that the new law is unfair. However, their concerns were addressed by the Federal Constitutional Court, which has ruled in favor of the parties, stating that the amendment is in order and can remain. The Court, a significant institution in Germany located in Karlsruhe, examines whether the German constitution (Basic Law) is being observed. It is important to note that small parties, such as the CSU, may still send the most members of parliament if they receive the most votes in their respective electoral districts. For instance, in the rest of Germany, the CSU works together with the CDU party, forming 'the Union.' The federal government of Germany, led by the federal chancellor, is responsible for various aspects of the country's governance. This includes ministers, each responsible for specific topics such as environment, economy, or education. In conclusion, the recent changes to Germany's election law have introduced a more straightforward voting system, with the second vote becoming more influential. While some parties have voiced concerns about the fairness of the new law, the Federal Constitutional Court has ruled in its favor, ensuring the continuation of a fair and democratic election process in Germany.
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