Welcome to Germany.
The constitution is enshrined in the Basic Law of 1949, as amended on unification. The federal president, whose role is primarily ceremonial, is elected by a college of members of the federal and state legislatures for up to two five-year terms. Germany's legislature has two houses, an upper chamber called the Bundesrat and a lower house called the Bundestag. The chancellor, who is elected by the Bundestag, nominally on the proposal of the president, is head of government. The country has 16 states (Länder), and each state (Land) has its own legislature and autonomy over schools, environmental protection, and other local matters. The state governments appoint the 68 members of the Bundesrat, whilst the 656 members of the Bundestag are elected by popular vote. The voting age is 18.
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