81. Who elects the Federal Chancellor in Germany?

Answer options

1. the Bundesrat (Federal Council)
2. the Federal Convention
3. the people
4. the Bundestag

Explanation

Under Article 63 of the Basic Law, the Bundestag elects the Federal Chancellor by an absolute majority of its members (the Chancellor’s majority) in a secret ballot upon the Federal President’s nomination; if this fails, paragraphs 3–4 set out a staged procedure (an additional election period, then either appointment or dissolution). The Federal Convention is solely competent to elect the Federal President (Art. 54 GG), and the Bundesrat, as the chamber of the Länder, has no role in electing the Chancellor. There is no direct popular election of the Chancellor—this was deliberately avoided in light of Weimar-era deficiencies, when the Reich President appointed the Reich Chancellor. The Chancellor’s position is further stabilized by the constructive vote of no confidence (Art. 67 GG), which enhances governmental stability.