68. Why does the state in Germany supervise the school system?

Answer options

1. because there are only state schools in Germany
2. because all pupils must obtain a school-leaving qualification
3. because there are different types of schools in the federal states
4. because under the Basic Law this is its responsibility

Explanation

Article 7(1) of the Basic Law provides that the entire school system is subject to state supervision; this refers primarily to the Länder’s school supervisory authority within their cultural sovereignty (Kulturhoheit), not to a centralized federal competence. Supervision safeguards legality, minimum standards, and compliance with fundamental rights in education, including parental authority (Art. 6(2) GG), state neutrality, and the organization of religious instruction (Art. 7(3) GG). It also covers the approval and oversight of private schools (Art. 7(4)–(6) GG), for example the ban on segregating pupils by parents’ wealth. Historically, this continues Prussian–Weimar traditions; after 1949 it was embedded in a federal order with strong rights guarantees to prevent ideological capture as under National Socialism.