The second edition of Government in the Federal Republic of Germany, first published in 1973, has been substantially rewritten and expanded and the title altered in recognition of an emphasis already present in the first edition, and greatly enhanced after revision. Since the first appearance of this authoritative text many changes in the details of organization and procedure have taken place, as well as extensive changes in personnel and, to some extent, in the problems and policy issues which now face those responsible for government in the Federal Republic. In considering these changes the author presents a view of the political institutions of the Federal Republic which develops logically and naturally from his earlier perspective.

The Inheritance of the State: The absence of a unitary system. German constitutionalism and the Rechsstaat. The separation between State and Society. The Framework of Parties and Political Opinion in the Federal Republic: The revolution of destruction and its aftermath. The reconstruction of political institutions. The reshaping of the party system. Federal Executive Leadership: The Federal Government. The Federal Chancellor. The Federal Ministries. The Federal Departments and their external relations. A pluralism executive. Federalism and Decentralization in West German Government: The Lnder and Federal legislation. The financial basis of Federalism. The Bureaucracy in the Federal Republic: The historical heritage. Politics, politicians and the bureaucracy. Controlling the Executive: The judicial modes of control. The internal control of financial performance and efficiency. The Challenge of Expanding Governments: Planning the use of resources. The European Community dimension. Bibliography.