Democracy and the Basic Law

The Federal Republic of Germany was founded with the signing of the Basic Law on 23 May 1949. The German constitution is regarded as a model for many countries.

Belarusian journalist Elena Romanova was forced to leave her home country twice – she found refuge in Germany with the help of the Hannah Arendt Initiative.

Protection of the environment is enshrined in Germany’s Basic Law. The lawyer Roda Verheyen is taking legal action to enforce this protection.

Strengthening democracy – find out here how Germany is globally committed to human rights and good governance.

Knowing one’s own rights - and respecting those of others. We present three projects that teach young people the value of democracy.

The author Ilija Trojanow is involved in the “Global Assembly”, which is seeking ideas for strengthening democracy worldwide.

The adoption of the Basic Law on 8 Mai 1949 marked a fresh start for Germany.

Democracy as a form of government: read where the strength of democracy lies in an exclusive essay by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The Basic Law is the heart of democracy in the Federal Republic of Germany. It was only intended as a temporary measure, but has now lasted since 1949.

There is no freedom without freedom of the press: Bascha Mika, editor in Chief of Frankfurter Rundschau, about the lifeblood of a free society.

Religion is an instrument for justice that makes everybody belong to a society, says Sister Agatha Ogochukwu Chikelue.

The Verfassungsschüler project helps young people find out about the Basic Law and become politically engaged.

Federal Agency for Civic Education: a former civil rights campaigner is responsible for civic education. Here you can find out whether he believes it is possible to learn democracy.

The right to vote is considered democracy’s highest good.

The German Basic Law came into effect in 1949. It was originally designed as a provisional constitution. Five questions and answers.

Philosopher Albert Kitzler: The framework for finding your own centre.

Josef Schuster: A freedom to fight for.

The journalist Katja Gloger: freedom of expression is a human right.

From the German Economic Miracle to RAF Terrorism: Three German decenniums. An overview.

From the Fall of the Wall to the reforms of the year 2000.

The current decade at a glance: these are the topics and events that have affected people in Germany.