Bundestag Composition

The German Bundestag is the national parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany. Its composition is determined by a mixed-member proportional representation system, ensuring both direct representation and overall party proportionality.

Core Principles

• Legislative body of Germany.
• Elected by the German people.
• Primary function: Legislation and oversight.
• Composed of representatives from political parties.
• Seats allocated based on election results.
• Mixed-member proportional representation system used.
• Ensures direct constituency representation.
• Guarantees overall party proportionality in the chamber.
• Members are called 'Abgeordnete' (deputies).
• Term length is typically four years.

Key Terms

• Bundestag: The federal parliament of Germany.
• Abgeordnete: Member of the Bundestag (deputy).
• Mixed-Member Proportional Representation (MMP): An electoral system combining direct constituency elections with proportional party list representation.
• Constituency: A geographical area represented by a directly elected member.
• Party List: A ranked list of candidates submitted by a political party for proportional representation.
• Direct Mandate: A seat won by a candidate in a direct constituency election.
• List Mandate: A seat won by a party through the proportional allocation of seats based on party lists.
• Overhang Mandates: Additional seats a party may gain if they win more direct mandates in constituencies than their proportional share of the vote would entitle them to.
• Levelling Mandates: Seats allocated to other parties to compensate for overhang mandates and restore overall proportionality.