Germany: Multiple Veto Points, Informal Coordination, and Problems of Hidden Action

Abstract

Describes delegation & accountability in the Federal Republic of Germany, especially in light of the German Basic Law of 1949. The establishment of democratic delegation & accountability was profoundly informed by the country's pursuit of political stability & consensus, & the desire to permanently eradicate dictatorship. Consequently the constitutional design was characterized by a comparatively robust dispersion of political power that facilitated bargaining among various political & economic elites. It is posited here that the Basic Law was effective in realizing democratic regime stability, a wide consensus, & a high caliber of government & policy cohesion. But it has been less successful in terms of efficiency, accountability, & transparency. 1 Table, 70 References. K. Coddon