The term that you might com across, if you have ever wanted to know about the political structure of Berlin Germany is the term Abgeordnetenhaus. But what in fact is the Abgeordnetenhaus and what is the position of the house in governing the city of Berlin? In the context of this blog post, the development of the Abgeordnetenhaus and its functions as well as composition will be discussed.
The Abgeordnetenhaus: Definition and Purpose
The Abgeordnetenhaus or more accurately named as the House of Representatives is the local-Parliament of Berlin, that is the capital city of the federal republic of Germany. It is also the one that makes and passes laws that will govern the city and its people. In other words, it is a political platform for discussing important issues, from education to transport, housing to other topics.
Composition and Elections
The Abgeordnetenhaus has a membership of 160 people, who are accorded by the inhabitants of Berlin every five years. Parallel voting system is used in the election process whereby; different political parties contest for parliamentary seats in proportion to the number of votes cast by the public. The number of seats a party receives in the Abgeordnetenhaus is in direct to the number of votes the party receives. This makes it possible to region proper political pluralism where no party has a monopoly of the parliament.
After the election the voters choose 160 members of the country’s Abgeordnetenhaus which further divide into different political factions or parties. All these factions act in the interests of the citizens they are representing and have an important role in decision making processes, in debating about different legislative measures, in initiatives and investigations of the work of the city government.
Functions and Responsibilities
The Abgeordnetenhaus has the following exercises and tasks to perform that would enable it to exercise governance in Berlin. Here are some of its key roles:
1. Legislation:
Laws that address the city of Berlin are the main responsibility of the Abgeordnetenhaus. Members discuss the content of proposed legislation, suggest changes and also vote for or against a bill. After the same bill has passed through all the necessary stages it is as a law that is then enacted by government. This legislative process is important for the recognition of the needs and problems of Berlin people.
2. Budget Approval:
The Abgeordnetenhaus has a major role to play in the budget determination process of Berlin. It also appraises and ratifies the annual budget provided by the government of the city. It does this in order to promote accountability in matters of financial dealing, so that the citizens and their representatives can always follow how money meant for public use is spent.
3. Oversight and Scrutiny:
The Abgeordnetenhaus supervises and oversees the functioning of the city government and all its branches. Members have the right also to question, challenge or seek information on government policies and parades/processes/systems. It is important because this oversight function promotes transparency besides enhancing efficiency and eradication of abuse of power.
4. Representation:
The Abgeordnetenhaus fulfills its function in protecting and expressing the interests of the Berlin population. Members interact with the public, consult the public and contribute to local and regional forums to ascertain the opinion of the people.
Conclusion
The Abgeordnetenhaus has a significant function of the governing of Berlin – it is the capital of Germany. For example as the local parliament it speaks for the people, makes laws, oversees the government, and approves its expenditures. This way, any individual wishing to have more than a casual interest in Berlins political affairs and its representative house, the Abgeordnetenhaus, will find enough information to satisfy their curiosity.
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