Policy diversity among the Lander after the Federalism Reform I: form, extent, and actors

In: Reus, Iris and Vogel, Stephan (2018). Policy diversity among the Lander after the Federalism Reform I: form, extent, and actors. Z. Vgl. Politikwissenschaft, 12 (4). S. 621 - 643. WIESBADEN: SPRINGER VIEWEG-SPRINGER FACHMEDIEN WIESBADEN GMBH. ISSN 1865-2654

Abstract

This article examines the extent and form of policy diversity among the German Lander, based on anew comprehensive data set that fully captures legislation in fifteen new Land competences transferred by the Federalism ReformI (2006). We thereby add to acentral debate in German federalism research: the positioning of the German federation between uniformity and diversity. Our methodological-conceptual contribution is to differentiate policy diversity into various aspects, to develop new indicators for measuring policy diversity, and to systematically examine it across policies, Lander, and over time. The analysis shows that there has been substantial policy diversity across Lander in most policy areas. The Lander create policy diversity to varying degrees, with Bavaria particularly bringing forth diversity.