Patterns of democracy : A sub-national analysisof the German Länder

Abstract

This article evaluates the patterns of democracy in the 16 federal states of Germany. By replicating Lijphart s analysis for the German sub-national context, we attempt to explain the connections between the political-institutional variables in the Länder democracies. Using factor analysis, it is possible to distinguish a three-dimensional pattern. Whereas the western area-states and Saxony tend to exhibit majoritarian traits, the eastern Länder and the city-states are more likely to display consensual patterns of power-sharing. The origins of these differing patterns of consensus and majoritarian democracy can be partially found in the unique constitutional traditions of their Allied occupying powers, critical historic junctures, as well as in the point in time when the state constitution was ratified.