| The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07. |
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| Bundestag |
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(b n´d stäkh´´) (KEY) , lower house of the parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany. It is a popularly elected body that elects the chancellor, passes all legislation (subject to executive veto on budget matters), and ratifies the most important treaties. It can remove the chancellor in a vote of no confidence by electing a new chancellor, but can be dissolved by the President if deadlocked on a new government. The upper house of the parliament, the Bundesrat [federal council] cannot be dissolved, represents the states (Länder), and receives all government draft legislation before the Bundestag. Its approval is required for most laws. |
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| | | The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright © 2007 Columbia University Press. |
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