70. In 1974, the German Federal President Gustav Heinemann presents Helmut Schmidt with the instrument of appointment as Federal Chancellor of Germany. Which of the following is among the duties of the German Federal President?

Answer options

1. 1. He/She conducts the business of government.
2. 2. He/She controls the governing party.
3. 3. He/She selects the ministers.
4. 4. He/She proposes the Chancellor for election.

Explanation

Under Article 63(1) of the Basic Law, the Federal President nominates a candidate for Federal Chancellor for election by the Bundestag; once elected, he appoints the successful candidate (Art. 63(2)) and appoints or dismisses federal ministers on the Chancellor’s proposal (Art. 64). He neither conducts the business of government nor controls parties; executive leadership rests with the Chancellor (Art. 65, the chancellor principle). The President’s role is chiefly integrative and formal, but includes limited reserve powers, such as the option to dissolve the Bundestag in the situations governed by Articles 63(4) and 68. Heinemann’s delivery of the instrument of appointment to Helmut Schmidt in 1974 illustrates the formal head-of-state function within Germany’s parliamentary system.