… as the Federal Republic of Germany’s form of government
Article 20 (2) Basic Law: “All state authority is derived from the people. It shall be exercised by the people through elections and other votes and through specific legislative, executive and judicial bodies.”
… as party pluralism
Article 21 (1) Basic Law: “Political parties shall participate in the formation of the political will of the people. They may be freely established. Their internal organisation must conform to democratic principles.”
… and civil society
Democracy is based on self-determination, participation in civil society and the power of the people to choose (participation rights, co-determination, civic initiatives).
… and democracy education
Young people in a democracy are entitled to democracy education. Not only do they have participation rights, but must also be helped and supported with carrying out activities of civic and political engagement. This is an interdisciplinary task of child and youth services in Germany.
Three aspects characterise Germany's democratic structures: