67. In Germany, what is primarily a responsibility of the federal states (Länder)?

Answer options

1. Defense policy
2. Foreign policy
3. Economic policy
4. School policy (education policy at the school level)

Explanation

Under the Basic Law’s federal design, the Länder possess cultural sovereignty (Kulturhoheit); schooling therefore falls primarily within their jurisdiction (Arts. 30, 70(1) GG). The Federation’s education powers are narrow—focused on higher education and research cooperation (Art. 91b GG) and financial assistance for educational infrastructure (Art. 104c GG), especially following the federalism reforms of 2006/2009/2019. By contrast, foreign and defense policy are exclusive federal matters (Art. 73(1) no. 1, Art. 32 GG), while economic policy largely lies within concurrent legislation with strong federal steering (Art. 74 GG) but implementation often by the Länder. Hence, “school policy” is the correct answer.