84. What is the primary function of the German Federal President? He/She …

Answer options

1. governs the country.
2. drafts the laws.
3. represents the country.
4. monitors compliance with the laws.

Explanation

The Federal President is the head of state and, within the Basic Law’s parliamentary system, exercises primarily representative functions (Arts. 54 et seq., 59(1) GG). Governing is the responsibility of the Federal Government under the Federal Chancellor (Arts. 62, 65 GG); legislation is enacted by the Bundestag and Bundesrat, with most bills introduced by the Government. The President signs and promulgates statutes (Art. 82 GG) and may refuse signature in cases of manifest unconstitutionality; presidential acts generally require countersignature (Art. 58 GG). Oversight of legality lies chiefly with the courts, notably the Federal Constitutional Court (Arts. 92 et seq. GG), not with the President.