Elections to the Bundestag
Elections for the Bundestag take place every four years. As is the case for the majority of state elections, voters cast two ballots. The "Erststimme" (first ballot) is a vote for a direct candidate via majority voting. The "Zweitstimme" (second ballot) is a vote for a party by means of proportional representation. The second vote is the more important. The percentage of votes for each party in the second ballot decides the number of seats each party receives in the Bundestag. A party can only be represented in parliament if five per cent of second ballot votes are received (known as the "five per cent hurdle") or if members of that party win at least three direct mandates (in the first ballot) in at least three separate constituencies.
The members of each party join together in parliament to form a parliamentary group ("Fraktion"). Usually a number of parliamentary groups form a "coalition". This guarantees a "majority vote" in parliament. The coalition also proposes the Chancellor, the head of government, and his ministers. The Federal Government is the executive organ of the federal republic and has the right to instigate legislation.
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