PDF file: Modern Studies - Advanced Higher - Education Scotland

Modern Studies 

Comparative Politics: 

Resource Guide 

Advanced Higher 

7779

Autumn 2000 

HIGHER STILL 

Modern Studies 

Comparative Politics: 

Resource Guide 

Advanced Higher 

Support Materials *+,-./

CONTENTS 

Introduction 

Books 

Politics in the UK 

Politics in the USA 

Politics in Germany 

Videos 

CD-ROMs 

Useful web site addresses 

Notes for overhead transparencies: Germany 

Modern Studies: Comparative Politics: Resource Guide (AH) 1

INTRODUCTION 

These support materials for Modern Studies were developed as part of the Higher Still 

Development Programme in response to needs identified at needs analysis meetings 

and national seminars. 

Advice on learning and teaching may be found in Achievement for All, (SOEID 1996), 

Effective Learning and Teaching in Scottish Secondary Schools: Modern Studies, 

(SOED 1992) and in the Modern Studies Subject Guide. 

This resource guide provides, for the use of both staff and students, a listing of 

sources of information and resources, contact details, an indication of the nature of the 

materials provided by each source and, where necessary, a brief note of the potential 

use of these materials. 

It is recognised that much of the material used in teaching politics is sourced from 

newspapers, magazines and electronically so that it is as fresh and up to the minute as 

possible. However, some suggestions for useful books and videos have been 

included. The information provided on web site addresses and CD-ROMs reflects the 

increasing part that information technology (IT) is playing in the learning and 

teaching process. As in many other subject areas, learning and teaching in Modern 

Studies will be enhanced by use of CD-ROM and the Internet to gather information 

and other resource material. There are obvious advantages for staff in being able to 

access up-to-date and relevant sources of data and reference materials. For students, 

the opportunity to access such materials adds depth to their studies and forms part of 

their development of independent study skills. It also provides an important practical 

context for developing IT skills. 

It is recognised that student access to such facilities is dependent on a number of 

factors and may vary from institution to institution. This will affect the way in which 

the information in this package is used, which will be determined by individual 

teachers and lecturers in the light of circumstances within their own institution. 

It would be helpful to remind students of two basic points prior to them using the 

Internet: 

• although it is possible to print web pages while connected to the Internet, this can 

take time and be costly in telephone charges. It is advisable to save pages on to a 

disc and print them later, when the computer is no longer connected to the 

Internet. 

• occasionally a site may be unavailable due to a break in the complex links in the 

Internet. Do not give up! Try the site again at a later date. 


BOOKS 

Suggested Book List for the U.K. 

British Politics in Focus (2 nd Edition), David Roberts (Ed.), 1999, 

Causeway Press, PO Box 13, Ormskirk, Lancashire. L395 HP 

(ISBN: 1 873929 93 5); £17.95 (available on approval) 

Comment: 

A first class and comprehensive text which covers all the aspects needed for 

Advanced Higher Modern Studies. It is fully updated to include data and analysis of 

the 1997 General Election. At the end of each section there are activities. These can 

be used as individual exercises or to stimulate class discussion. It is also an 

invaluable source for students researching for the Practical Research unit. The 

summary boxes at the end of each chapter are of particular use. Suitable for either 

student or teacher. 

British Politics in Focus Answer Book, (accompanies previous text), 1999 

Causeway Press, PO Box 13, Ormskirk, Lancashire. L395 HP 

(ISBN: 1 873929 98 6); £35.00 (available on approval) 

Comment: 

This book contains suggested answers to all the activities in the main text. The 

answer book can be photocopied. 

The New British Politics, Ivor Crewe et al, 1998 

Addison Wesley Longman Ltd; Edinburgh Gate; Harlow; Essex. CM20 2JE 

(ISBN: 0582 28925 4); £18.99 

Comment: 

A useful and comprehensive, if somewhat difficult, text on British politics. Definitely 

more suited to teacher use. However it contains useful source material for all parts of 

the Advanced Higher course. The following are of particular use: 

Part II Chapter 8 The Prime Minister and Cabinet 

Part III Chapter 12 Pressure groups 

Chapter 13/14 The nature and impact of the Mass Media 

Chapter 15 Elections and voting 

Chapter 16 Political parties and party factions 

Part IV Chapter 17 Party ideologies and political representation 

Chapter 18 Parties and Parliament. 


Government and Politics in Britain: An Introduction, John E. Kingdom, 1999 

Polity Press, 65 Bridge Street, Cambridge. CB2 1UR 

(ISBN: 0 7456 1720 4); £15.99 

Comment: 

An excellent overview covering most parts of the Advanced Higher course. The 

following chapters are of particular use: 

Chapter 6 The electoral system 

Voting behaviour 

Election campaigns 

Chapter 8 Inside the parties 

Chapter 11 Cabinet and Prime Minister 

U.K. Politics Today, Peter Fotheringham, 1998 

Pulse Publications, 45 Raith Road, Fenwick, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. KA3 6DB 

(ISBN: 0 948 766 48 4); £7.50 

Comment: 

Commonly used Higher textbook. It forms a useful introductory text for students. 

Politics in a Democratic Society, Blee, H., Dalglish, G., McCann, A., McDermid, 

A., McGregor, J., McGuire, J., 1998 

Imprint Publishing Systems, 8 Braehead Avenue, Milngavie, Glasgow. G62 6DJ 

(ISBN: 1 872 035 54 X) 

Comment: 

Commonly used Higher textbook. It forms a useful introductory text for students. 

An Introduction to Politics, P. Joyce, 1999 

Hodder & Stoughton, 338 Euston Road, London. NW1 3BH 

(ISBN: 034070480); £13.99 

Comment: 

A detailed guide to politics. Information is expressed and presented in an interesting 

way. 

The Scottish Political System (4 th edn), James G. Kellas, 1989 

CUP, The Edinburgh Building, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge. CB2 2RU 

(ISBN: 0521368642); £12.00 

Comment: 

This is a useful but dated guide to the Scottish political system. 


Politics UK, Bill Jones et al., 2000 

Longman, Edinburgh Gate, Harlow, Essex. CM20 2JE 

(ISBN: 0 582 42333 3); £19.99 

Comment: 

This text contains general information and full coverage of New Labour’s first three 

years by Dennis Kavanagh. 

Investigating Political Sociology, Mark Kirby, 1995 

Harper Collins, 77/85 Fulham Palace Road, London. W6 8JB 

(ISBN: 0003224058); £8.00 

Comment: 

This is a very useful text for the research methods part of the course. 

How to do Social Research, Audrey Dunsmuir and Lynn Muir, 1998 

Harper Collins, 77/85 Fulham Palace Road, London. W6 8JB 

(ISBN: 000322242 X); £9.99 

Comment: 

This is a very useful text for the research methods part of the course. 

UK Government and Politics, Andy Williams, 1998 

Heinemann Educational Publishers, Halley Court, Jordan Hill, Oxford. OX2 8EJ 

(ISBN: 0 435 33158 2); £15.50 

Comment: 

This is easily read – good layout with key ideas in margin. There are short and essay 

type questions at the end of each chapter, which are also highlighted at the start of 

each chapter. It has a very good chapter on the Judiciary, Civil Liberties, European 

Convention of Human Rights and Bill of Rights. This also is a good textbook for 

Higher Politics. It may be found in a school/University library or purchased through a 

bookshop. 


Politico’s Guide to Politics on the Internet, Julian White (ed.), 1999 

Politico’s Bookstore, 8 Artillery Row, London. SW1P 1RZ 

(ISBN: 1 902301 331); £12.99 

Tel: 0171 828 0010 

Fax: 0171 828 8111 

E-mail: politicos@artillery-row.demon.co.uk 

Comment: 

This publication reviews and classifies over 1000 politics web sites. In general, 

Politico’s Bookstore is a very useful source of material. A catalogue is available and 

they send all books, videos etc. very promptly. 

Newspaper – The Daily Telegraph Sixth Form Offer 

Comment: 

Free daily copies of the Daily Telegraph from: 

Megan Tarlinton, 

Marketing Department, 

The Daily Telegraph, 

1 Canada Square, 

Canary Wharf, 

London. 

E14 5DT 


Suggested Book List for USA 

The American Political Process (5 th edn), Alan Grant, 1994 

Dartmouth Publishing Company, Gower House, Croft Road, Aldershot. GU11 3HR 

(ISBN: 1-85521-131-9) 

Comment: 

This is a solid, if somewhat dry, text on the American political system. The 

particularly useful chapters are: 

Chapter 5 Pressure group politics; 

Chapter 6 Party politics; 

Chapter 7 Presidential elections and participation. 

American Government, Lowi and Ginsberg, 1996 

W.W. Norton & Company, 10 Coptic Street, London. WC1A 1PU 

(ISBN: 0393-96863-4); £12.95 

Comment: 

This is an insightful overview for both staff and pupils covering all aspects of 

Government in the U.S.A. Students have found this text fairly user-friendly. It is 

particularly useful for the section on the role of the media. 

U.S. Government and Politics (Second Edition), Andy Williams, 1998 

Heinemann Educational Publishers, Halley Court, Jordan Hill, Oxford. OX2 8EJ 

(ISBN: 0-435-33157-4); £14.50 (Discount of 12% on orders over £150) 

Comment: 

This is a very good text for both staff and students. It is easy to read with clear 

explanations. Use this as class text. The following chapters are particularly useful: 

Chapter 4 Elections – both presidential and congressional; 

Chapter 5 Political parties including the party system, third parties; 

Chapter 6 The Presidency; 

Chapter 10 Pressure groups. 

This text makes regular and useful comparisons with the political system in the U.K., 

which is invaluable when considering comparative questions. 

Developments in American Politics: 2, Gillian Peele, 1994 

Macmillan Press, Brunel Road, Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hants. RG21 6XS 

(ISBN: 0333596536); £13.00 

Comment: 

This is a comprehensive assessment of American politics and the first part of the 

Clinton administration. 


Suggested Book List for Germany 

German Politics, 1945 – 1995, Peter Pulzer, 1995 

Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP 

(ISBN: 0 19 878111 3); £9.99 

Comment: 

A very readable, user-friendly book on German politics. It could be used as class text. 

The following chapters are of particular use: 

Chapter 1 This chapter looks at the question “Unified, but not United.” It is an 

excellent account of the problems facing Germany since reunification. 

Chapter 2 Germany after Potsdam, the new constitution, the importance of the 

Lander, the increasing importance of political parties in the new 

Federal Republic. This chapter probably contains too much 

detail/information for students but is excellent for teacher. 

Chapter 5 This chapter looks at the progress, problems and role of the G.D.R. 

Chapter 7 Kohl’s early years in German and CDU politics, the collapse of 

Communism in Eastern Europe, the opening of the Berlin Wall. 

Chapter 8 Germany since Reunification. 

Politics in Germany: From Division to Unification, Ian Derbyshire, 1991 

Chambers, New Penderel House, 283-288 High Holborn, London. WC1V 7HZ 

Comment: 

May be used as a class text but it is now out of print with no plans to reprint. The 

useful chapters are: 

Chapters 13 The Weimar Republic, the new Constitution, the powers and 

importance of the Lander, the role of the Political parties in the F.R.G. 

Chapter 9 The problems of Integration. 

The Germans – Who are they now? Alan Watson, 1994 

Mandarin 

(ISBN: 0 7493 1743 4); £5.99 

Comment: 

This is an excellent book for staff and can form the basis for many notes for students. 

It is particularly useful in its analysis of the problems facing the Germans since 

reunification. 

Power Shift in Germany: the 1998 Election and the End of the Kohl Era, David 

Conradt, 2000 

Berghahn Books Ltd., 3 Newtec Place, Magdalen Road, Oxford. OX4 1RE 

(ISBN: 1 57181 200 8); £14.00 

Comment: 

This text contains a detailed analysis of the 1998 elections. 


OTHER BACKGROUND READING 

The following titles were included in the CSYS Modern Studies Bibliography 

published by Scottish CCC in 1995 as Curriculum Support Series 21. Some of them 

may still form part of the politics section of a department’s library. While many of 

the texts are now inevitably dated, they may still be used judiciously and selectively 

as sources of useful background information and data. 

Britain 

British Political Parties, Alan Ball 

Macmillan, 1987 

Contemporary British Politics and Government, P. J. Cocker 

Tudor Business Publishing, 1993 

Social Justice: Strategies for National Renewal, Commission for Social Justice 

Vintage, 1994 

Elections and Voting Behaviour in Britain (2 nd edn.), David Denver 

Philip Allan, 1994 

Developments in British Politics, Book 4, P. Dunleavy et al. 


British Political Parties Today, R. Garner and R. Kelly 

Manchester University Press, 1993 

The Labour Party since 1945, K. Jefferys 


British Politics Today (5 th rev. edn.), Bill Jones and Dennis Kavanagh 


Two Decades in British Politics, Bill Jones and Lynton Robins (eds) 


The Anatomy of Thatcherism, Shirley Robin Letwin 

Fontana, 1992 

Changing the British Party System, Lynton Robins 

Leicester University Press, 1994 

The Labour Party since 1979: Crisis and Transformation, Eric Shaw 

Routledge, 1994 

The Changing Labour Party, Martin Smith and Joanna Spear 



Third Party Politics since 1945: Liberals, Alliance and Social Democrats, John 

Stevenson 

Blackwell, 1993 

The Labour Party Policy Review: A Strategy for Renewal, G. Taylor 


Long Death of British Labourism, Willie Thompson, 

Pluto Press, 1993 

The Fall of Margaret Thatcher: A Conservative Coup – a post-election view, 

Alan Watkins 

Duckworth, 1992 

Facts for Socialists, G. Wright (ed) 

Fabian Society, 1991 

Germany 

Local Leadership and Decision Making: A Study of France, Germany, the 

United States and Britain, Olivier Borraz 

LGC Communications, 1994 

The German Polity (5 th edn), D. P. Conradt 

Longman, 1994 

Citizen Politics in Western Democracies: Public Opinion and Political Parties in 

the United States, Great Britain, Germany and France, Russell Dalton 

Chatham House Publishers (US), 1990 

Structure of Political Communication in the United Kingdom, the United States 

and the Federal Republic of Germany: A Comparative Study of The Economist, 

Time and Der Spiegel, Josef Ernest 

P. Lang, 1987 

West European Politics: An Introduction to the Politics of the United Kingdom, 

France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the Community, M. Hancock 


United Germany and the New Europe, Heinz D. Kurz 

E. Elgar, 1993 

The Federal Republic of Germany at Forty-five: Union without Unit, Peter H. 

Merkl (ed) 


Governing Germany, William Paterson and David Southern 



Conflicts between Labour and Environmentalism in the Republic of Germany 

and the United States, Heinrich Siegmann 

Gower Publishing Group Ltd, 1985 

Democracy in West Germany: Parties and Politics in the Federal Republic (5 th 

edn), Gordon Smith 

Dartmouth, 1989 

Developments in German Politics, Gordon Smith and William Paterson 


Economy of United Germany: Colossus at the Crossroads, W. R. Smyser 

C. Hurst, 1992 

United Germany: The Past, Politics, Prospects, H. G. Wallach and Ronald A. 

Francisco 

Praeger, 1992 

USA 

The Politics of American Discontent: How a New Party can make Democracy 

Work Again, 

G. S. Black and B. D. Black 

John Wiley, 1994 

The Government and Politics of the United States, Nigel Bowles 


Elections USA, Philip John Davies 


Politics in the United States: From Carter to Bush, Ian Derbyshire 

Chambers, 1990 

Why Americans Hate Politics, E. J. Dionne 

Touchstone US. 

The New American Political System, Anthony King (ed) 


American Politics Today, John D. Lees and Richard Maidment 


American Politics and Society, David Mackay 



American Political Parties: The Formation, Decline and Reform of the American 

Party System, Dean MacSweeney and John Zvesper 


Parties Respond: Changes in American Parties and Campaigns, Sandy Maisel 

Westview Publishers (US), 1994 

The Decline of American Political Parties, 1952 – 1992, M. Wattenberg 

Harvard, 1994 

Comparative 

Electoral Systems: A Comparative and Theoretical Introduction, A. Reeve and A. 

Ware 



VIDEOS 

German Giant, Helmut Kohl 

Channel: BBC 2 

Transmission date: September 12 1998 

Duration: 60 minutes 

Comment: 

Contains news coverage from before and after the 1998 German elections. 

Election 97: BBC Election Night Highlights 

Channel: BBC 

Cost : £15.99 

Duration: 75 minutes. 

Comment: 

Selected clips could be shown to illustrate highlights of this election. Some of the 

quotes could be useful for the Practical Research exercise. Could be viewed 

individually or in small groups. 

Panorama – Tony Blair 

Channel: BBC 

Transmission date: 3 Oct 1994 


Comment: 

An interview with Tony Blair shortly after becoming leader of the Labour party. This 

video outlines his plans for the future. 

Kinnock – Part 4 of the series “Kinnock, The Wilderness Years” 

Channel: ITV 

Transmission date: August 1993 


Comment: 

This is a first class programme highlighting: 

• the reason why Labour lost the 1992 election 

• the changes made by Kinnock in the organisation, running and policies of the 

Labour Party. 

This can be useful for pupils researching for the Practical Research unit. 


Bye Bye Blues – Parts 1 and 2 

Channel: 4 

Transmission date: September / October 1997 

Duration: each part is 55 minutes long 

Comment: 

Programmes contain a detailed look at why the Conservative Party lost the 1997 

Election. 


CD-ROM 

Election 97 Interactive CD-ROM 

Learning and Teaching Scotland, 74 Victoria Crescent Road, Glasgow G12 9JN 

Cost: £25 

Comment: 

This is a useful source for data, issues and analysis of the 1997 Election. This could 

be used effectively by pupils researching information for the Practical Research unit. 

Scotland’s Independent Newspaper – The Herald on CD-ROM, Archive CD 

1997 

Learning and Teaching Scotland, 74 Victoria Crescent Road, Glasgow G12 9JN 

Cost: £75 

Comment: 

This is another very useful source of news, photographs and comments about the 1997 

election. 

Parliament and Government 

BBC 

(ISBN: 0 5634 6585 9); £9.99 

Comment: 

Contains comprehensive coverage with sections on: 

• Parliament – organisation, procedures, MPs 

• Elections 

• Political parties 

• Executive 

• Public opinion – lobbyists, media 

• Europe. 


USEFUL WEB SITE ADDRESSES 

Government and related sites 

www.yahoo.com/government/countries 

www.open.gov.uk 

An index of worldwide government and politics 

resources 

CCTA Government Information Service – gives 

access to all government departments and all 

other public sector bodies 

www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk UK Parliament WWW-server; links to House of 

Commons, House of Lords etc 

www.number-10.gov.uk/index.html 

www.coi.gov.uk/coi/depts/deptlist.html 

www.parlchan.co.uk/index.html 

Scottish Politics 

www.theherald.co.uk 

www.scotsman.com 

www.scottish.parliament.uk/ 

www.scotland.gov.uk 

www.scottish.labour.co.uk 

www.snp.org.uk 

www.scotlibdems.org.uk 

www.scottish.tory.org.uk 

www.clan.com/environment/scotgreenparty 

www.scotsocialistparty.org.uk 

Number 10 Downing Street – includes the 

mission statements of all government departments 

and outlines the remits of the cabinet committees 

Central Office of Information Internet Services – 

a departmental listing of daily press releases, plus 

an archive of press releases from the previous 

administration 

Parliamentary Channel – includes a weekly 

schedule, information on Bills currently before 

Parliament and details of public committee 

meetings 

The Herald 

The Scotsman 

The Scottish Parliament 

The Scottish Executive 

The Scottish Labour Party 

The Scottish National Party 

The Scottish Liberal Democrats 

The Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party 

The Scottish Green Party 

The Scottish Socialist Party 


UK Political Parties 

www.conservative.org.uk The Conservative Party 

www.labour.org.uk The Labour Party 

www.libdems.org.uk The Liberal Democrat Party 

Newspapers, Magazines, News Channels & News Agencies 

www.ft.com 

www.guardian.co.uk 

www.independent.co.uk 

www.the-times.co.uk 

http://news.bbc.co.uk 

www.pa.press.net 

www.reuters.com/news 

www.worldwidenews.com 

www.germany-live.de 

www.nytimes.com 

www.washingtonpost.com 

www.newsweek-int.com 

www.pathfinder.com/time 

www.cnn.com 

www.lefigaro.fr 

www.lemonde.fr 

www.liberation.fr 

The Financial Times 

The Guardian and Observer 

The Independent 

The Times 

BBC news homepage 

Press Association (PA) – news and features 

plus a round-up of the headlines from the 

dailies; updated hourly 

Reuters – the world’s leading news and 

financial organisation 

Search for world-wide newspapers by 

country 

Germany Live Internet News Service 

The New York Times 

The Washington Post 

Newsweek 

Time 

CNN 

Le Figaro 

Le Monde 

Liberation 


International Bodies 

European Union 

http://europa.eu.int 

www.europarl.eu.int 

European Union’s server – includes European 

Commission, Court of Justice etc 

European Parliament 

http://fgr.wu-wien.ac.at/nentwich/euroint.htm Comprehensive list of WWW pointers with 

regard to sources and information on European 

Union affairs 

www.euro-emu.co.uk 

www.cmutuel.com/cmutueva/index.html 

www.eudor.com 

www.cec.org.uk 

www.pitt.edu/-ecsa101 

www.cunliffe.demon.co.uk/Politics 

Other International Organisations 

www.un.org 

www.nato.int 

www.oecd.org 

www.worldbank.org 

www.imf.org 

www.g7.utoronto.ca 

EmuNet – an excellent site on the single 

currency 

All about the euro 

European Union Document Repository – online 

repository containing the official publications of 

the European Institutions 

The European Commission Office in London – 

very informative web site; it contains 

information more specific to the UK than the 

Europa server 

The European Communities Studies Association 

(ECSA) in Pittsburgh, USA – an interesting site 

with links to research centres and universities; 

often very busy 

Political Resources for the European Union 

(PREU) – a comprehensive guide to politics in 

the European Union and its member states 

United Nations Official Homepage – contains information on the 

General Assembly and the Security Council, as well as the latest 

documents and resolutions etc 

Official site – contains information on the organisation, its members, 

SFOR operation, press releases etc 

Contains information on the history of OECD, its functioning, statistics 

etc 

The World Bank 

The International Monetary Fund 

University of Toronto G8 Information Centre – contains reports and 

analysis of summits, documents etc 


Miscellaneous 

www.blpes.lse.ac.uk/blpes 

http://lcweb.loc.gov/homepage/lchp.html 

www.mori.com 

www.gallup.com 

www.amnesty.org.uk 

www.greenpeace.org.uk 

www.foe.co.uk 

British Library of Political and Economic Science 

The Library of Congress – documents, photographs, 

movies and sound recordings that tell America’s 

story 

Opinion pollsters 

Opinion pollsters 

Amnesty International UK 

Greenpeace UK 

Friends of the Earth 


NOTES FOR OVERHEAD TRANSPARENCIES: GERMANY (1999) 

These notes might be used to set the scene for students tackling German politics as 

part of this unit. It is suggested that they could form a set of overhead transparencies 

but they could be used in a variety of formats. 

Germany – Historical Background 

1815 – Germany as we know it did not exist. Germany consisted of 39 separate states. 

1871 – Germany united. System of democracy introduced with universal male 

suffrage (votes for all men) but real power concentrated in the hands of the Emperor 

and the Prime Minister (Chancellor). 

1914-18 – World War 1 and military defeat for Germany. 

1918-33 – Weimar Republic: this period was characterised by coalition government, 

political instability (15 Chancellors held office in this period) and tremendous 

economic problems such as unemployment and high inflation. A system of P.R. 

contributed to the political instability. 

1933 – Hitler becomes Chancellor. 

1939-45 – World War 2 and military defeat for Germany. 

1945 – Germany divided into Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and 

German Democratic Republic (East Germany). 

October 1990 – Germany reunified under leadership of Chancellor Helmut Kohl. 

Structure of Government 

Chancellor (chosen from the largest party in Bundestag). 

Bundesrat (Upper House). 69 Representatives from the Länder (states) chosen from 

ruling Länder parties. No real powers. 

Bundestag (Lower House). Popular elections; members chosen by PR (additional 

member system). Real power is concentrated here. Last elections 1998; next 

elections 2002. 


Political Parties in Germany 

The political scene in West Germany since the war has been stable and successful; 

e.g. only 6 different Chancellors; rapid growth and prosperity. The key ingredient in 

all of this was the creation of a strong party state controlled by two sensible, modern 

political parties. Political parties in Germany had opposed Hitler before being 

outlawed in 1933. The parties, therefore, were given a key role in the democracy 

formed in 1945. 

West Germany dominated by two major parties: C.D.U. – Christian Democratic 

Union; S.P.D. – Social Democratic Party. These two parties individually or in 

coalition with minor parties held power for 25 and 13 years, respectively between 

1969 and 1990 and governed together between 1966 and 1969. A third party, F.D.P. 

– Free Democratic Party, participated in coalition governments with both. 

Free Democratic Party (FDP) – Liberals 

FDP is the third force in Germany’s three-party state. It constantly holds the balance 

of power and despite receiving only 10% or less of the popular vote it has gained 

ministerial success and has acted as a moderating force – the middle ground. 

Using PR, German elections produce coalitions. Most coalitions involve FDP. The 

system tends to encourage consensus between parties and continuity in government. 

FDP (liberal democrats) represent a consensus view of politics. The FDP has an 

intellectual tradition and in practice they were to find it possible to enter alliances 

with both CDU and SPD giving them a role in government out of proportion to their 

electoral strength. 

All parties in Germany are determined to make the system work. FDP is supported by 

middle class; ‘intellectuals’; young. 

CDU – Christian Democratic Union 

Traditionally supported by: Catholics; rural groups; elderly; Southern Germans. 

SPD - Social Democratic Party 

Traditionally supported by: industrial workers; urban groups; young. 

Both CDU and SPD compete strongly to win the support of the well educated, often 

white-collar ‘classless’ voter. This support became crucial in the quest for political 

power. 

This group is very similar to the C1/C2 groups whose support put John Major in 

office in 1992 but who supported Labour in large numbers in 1997. How did they 

vote in the German election in late 1998? 


German political parties – their key role in Germany’s success 

1. What was introduced in 1959 to give enormous power and influence to political 

parties in Germany? 

2. COPY: 

A key element in ensuring political stability is the 5% rule. This states that parties 

must win at least 5% of the popular vote if they wish to gain representation in federal 

or state parliaments. This has excluded both left and right wing extremists from 

parliament and left power in the hands of the 3 mainstream parties – CDU, SPD, FDP. 

Since 1983, the Greens have also been represented in the Bundestag. This rule has 

been crucial for the maintenance of the status quo in Germany. However critics argue 

that large numbers of votes are automatically wasted by the decision to exclude those 

parties which fail to gain 5%. Every other aspect of the electoral system is designed 

to maximise the power of the voter. 

3. Explain how the Additional Member System (AMS) works in Germany. 

4. Advantages of AMS: 

• Composition of the Bundestag reflects as closely as possible the balance of the 

national vote. 

• A close bond is created between elector and delegate. 

• Coalitions are formed. These encourage consensus between the parties and 

continuity in government. Wild swings in policy are prevented. 

German politicians are adamant that the system is the best available. The political 

system developed since the war shows how thoroughly they have learned the lessons 

of the 1930s/ 40s. They have sought tirelessly to build up and protect their democracy 

with a system of checks and balances to prevent any descent into autocracy. 

The political parties are all determined to make the system work and they all 

recognise that the system works for them. It is a great comfort to politicians to know 

that they are unlikely ever to be totally excluded from power. The federal system 

virtually ensures that this happens. 

Helmut Kohl 

Born 1930. Joined CDU 1947. Became Chancellor of West Germany in 1982 

(constructive vote of no confidence). Won elections in 1983, 1987, 1990, 1994. 

Politicians know their business is one of risk, luck, ups and downs but few seem to 

have had their prospect re-appraised as often as Helmut Kohl. At first he was 

dismissed as little more than a seasoned party performer who got to the top because, 

one by one, his rivals slipped and fell. However, he confounded his critics with his 

statesmanship and handling of Germany’s reunification in 1990. After the events of 

November 1989, Kohl sensed an opening that was far wider than a hole in the wall. 

As others dithered over the ‘problem of Germany’, Kohl pounced. His achievement 

in bringing the two Germanys back together after four decades of separation was 

rewarded when his CDU party thrashed other parties in the first all German election in 

December 1990. 


The media regarded Kohl as a bumbling provincial heavyweight known as Blunder 

Kohl. His popularity was enormous at unification but has slumped very severely 

since. 

As the burden of unification became ever more painful, Germans were hit where it 

hurt them most. In the East they lost the one thing they had always had in the past – 

their jobs, while in the West it hit them in their pockets. 

Taxes were raised, something Kohl had repeatedly promised would not happen. It 

became clear that the Government had massively underestimated the economic and 

psychological problems of unity. Dissatisfaction focussed on the Chancellor. 

His home state Rhineland-Palatinate delivered a personal snub when it abandoned the 

CDU in the April 1991 election after 44 years and elected an SPD government. As a 

result Kohl lost control of the upper house of parliament – the Bundesrat. 

However the media and political rivals have learned that to underestimate either his 

intellect or his instinct is a grave error – Kohl bounces back harder with each attack 

on his leadership. 

What he lacks in flair, Kohl has always made up for in political instinct. Without 

flamboyance he based his political reputation on honesty and trust. The image of a 

ponderous but reliable plodder has been one of his greatest assets and allowed him to 

develop the political style which has kept him at the top. 

German Reunification – Potential Difficulties 

Tough task to join the 5 states of East Germany to the 11 states of West Germany. 

Problems: 

1. Different standards of living 

The West has enjoyed a far higher standard of living than the East. Wages are higher 

and social welfare schemes good. East Germany, as a Communist state, was under 

the protection and orders of the Soviet Union. The Communist government decided 

on what was to be produced and how it was to be produced. Unemployment was 

outlawed/not allowed under the East German constitution. In East Germany, products 

were produced even if there was no demand for them, surpluses of goods created, and 

poor quality products produced. There was over-manning in industry and lack of 

initiative among workers and employers due to the overwhelming role of government. 

Therefore, West Germans viewed the East in a very negative light in terms of 

economic progress. They realised that much had to change to bring East German 

industry in to line with West German industry, and unemployment could not be 

avoided. 

2. The way the country was run 

East Germany was a one party state from 1949 until 1989. It was difficult to protest 

in East Germany. The security system in place ensured an ‘atmosphere of fear’ 


during the Cold War period. The divided city of Berlin symbolised the fear, 

oppression and suspicion created by the Cold War, perhaps best seen in the Berlin 

Wall constructed in 1961. 

To move a society and its people from this type of system to one governed by the 

basic law with all the trappings of democracy was a major challenge and achievement 

for the government of Helmut Kohl. 

3. Cost of Reunification 

This has been far higher than anticipated due to the incredible inefficiency of industry 

in the East. There have been serious environmental implications due to this 

inefficiency as control of pollution and other environmental issues were never high on 

the agenda of the East German Communist government. 

4. Unemployment and unrest 

Since reunification, unemployment has increased dramatically leading to unrest and 

discontent with the government of Helmut Kohl. 

5. Rise of Neo-Nazis 

Disturbing reports of violent activities forced the cancellation of the Germany v 

England football match on April 10, 1994 (anniversary of Hitler’s birthday). 

Reasons given for the rise of Neo-Nazism are: 

• rising unemployment – currently in excess of 5 million and the government 

appears to lack effective measures to deal with this problem. 

• immigrants getting jobs – especially workers from Turkey who have been 

particularly picked on. These Gastarbeiter (guest workers) were essential to the 

success of West Germany’s economic miracle. 

6. High Expectations 

Expectations of success and continued wealth have been sky high in Germany. It is 

impossible to unite two very differing countries without some hardship. Government 

has had to deal with these high expectations. 

7. World Reaction 

There was unease among some Europeans about reunification. For many people the 

history of a united Germany was the history of two world wars. The ‘older’ 

generation may have felt this more strongly. There was possibly some concern in 

Germany’s neighbours as they had suffered in the past e.g. France. 

Gastarbeiter (Guest worker) 

Throughout the 1980s millions of foreign workers, mainly from Turkey, continued to 

work in West German industry. Their presence, although resented by the extremist 

right, did not alarm most Germans. Of more concern was the continuing flow of 


political refugees (asylum seekers) many of whom were economic refugees from 

depressed parts of the world. 

The early 1990s have seen a vast increase in the numbers entering Germany. 

Estimates suggest that in 1991 and 1992 between 1.1 and 1.5 million immigrants 

entered Germany each year, joining the 4.5 million guest workers already there. 

These figures could be much higher as there are also many illegal immigrants entering 

Germany. 

In 1992, for example, 433,000 people applied for political asylum. Another 230,565 

people crossed Germany’s borders. These were ethnic Germans from former USSR 

(195,000), from Poland (17,000), and from Rumania (16,000). 

This enormous influx makes the problems of unemployment and social welfare 

cutbacks coupled with rising taxation more difficult. They have created uncertainty 

and resentment. 

Unemployment and immigration are thought to be the seeds of neo-Nazi and 

xenophobic growth in Germany. 

The former East Germany has been fertile ground for this increase in neo-Nazism. 

Unemployment and hardship is worse in the East as is resentment against foreign 

workers.

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