117. What percentage of the second votes (Zweitstimmen) must parties receive at minimum to be elected to the German Bundestag?

Answer options

1. 3%
2. 4%
3. 5%
4. 6%

Explanation

The correct answer is 5%. The five-percent electoral threshold (Sperrklausel) is codified in section 6 of the Federal Election Act and has repeatedly been upheld by the Federal Constitutional Court as compatible with the Basic Law to safeguard parliamentary functionality (by contrast, comparable thresholds for European Parliament elections were struck down). Historically, the “basic mandate clause” allowed a party winning three constituency seats to bypass the threshold; its future design has been the subject of political and constitutional debate following the 2023/24 electoral reform. The threshold reflects the Basic Law’s commitment to a pluralist yet resilient parliament that avoids excessive fragmentation while ensuring fair competition.