Question 22
Why does the 5% threshold exist in the electoral law of the Federal Republic of Germany? It exists because …
German original: Warum gibt es die 5%-Hürde im Wahlgesetz der Bundesrepublik Deutschland? Es gibt sie, weil …. In the test, all questions are asked in German.
Answer options
- the programs of many small parties have a lot in common.
- citizens can lose their orientation with many small parties.
- many small parties make it harder to form a government. — Correct answer
- small parties do not have enough money to pay the politicians.
Explanation
The 5-percent threshold prevents many small parties from entering parliament. Too many small parties complicate coalition formation and can cause instability, as happened in the Weimar Republic.
Key terms in this question
- Germany — Germany is a country in central Europe with a parliamentary democracy. It is a member of the European Union and its capital is Berlin.
- Federal Republic — The Federal Republic of Germany is the official name of the German state. It consists of 16 federal states and is a democratic republic.
- law — A law is a binding rule established by the state that applies to all people in a country. Laws regulate how people live together and must be followed by everyone.
- because — 'Weil' is a conjunction used to express a reason or cause. It connects two clauses, introducing the explanation for the main action (e.g., 'I study because I want to pass the test').
- Federal state — A federal state is one of the 16 regions that together form Germany. Each state has its own government, parliament, and areas of responsibility.
- election — An election is a process in which people vote to choose a person or political party for a public office. It is a fundamental right in a democracy.
- the Federal Government / the Federation — The Federation refers to the central level of government in Germany, as opposed to the individual federal states (Länder). It is responsible for matters that affect the whole country, such as foreign policy or national defense.
- Republic — A republic is a form of government in which political power belongs to the people, who elect representatives to govern the country. There is no monarch; the head of state is usually an elected president or similar figure.