Government Comparison United States Government vs German Government

Government Comparison United States Government vs. German Government 12 th Grade

Types of Government United States Germany President Chancellor Barack Obama Angela Merkel Elected Appointed 2 - 4 year terms Qualifications: No limit Qualifications: 35 years old German citizen for 18+ years Born in United States Lived in US for at least 14 yrs

Lawmaking Bodies United States Congress Bicameral Senate 100 seats House of Representatives 435 seats Germany Parliament Bicameral Christian Democratic Union/ Christian Social Union Social Democratic Party of Germany 193 seats Left Party 64 seats Alliance 90/ The Green Parliamentary Group 63 311 seats 63 seats

Rights American Freedoms: Freedom of Speech/Press Freedom of Religion Right to bear arms Protection from cruel & excessive punishment German Freedoms: Freedom of Speech/Press Freedom of Religion Limited rights to gun ownership (sport shooter, hunter, gun collector) Equality before the law (Article 3: All persons shall be equal)

Political Party System United States 2 -Party System: Democratic Party Believe in equality of man and should not be interfered by government Donkey Republican Party Tend to be conservationist towards social issues Elephant

Political Party System Germany Multi-party System: Bundestag Parliament, oversees the executive branch on substantive policies and routine administrations Federal Eagle Social Democratic Party (SDP) Major Party, social democracy with freedom and social justice Iron Front Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Major Party, social conservatism with a social market economy Initials

Elections and Voting United States Age: 18 years old Requirements: U. S. Citizen Legally registered How often: 4 years What type: Primary seats Germany 18 years old German Citizen Elections must happen on Sunday 4 years “Ausgleichmandate” electing a President each party shares in Parliament

Taxes & Government Finance United States Taxes: Income Tax Other sources of income: Fees, passports Spendings: Military ($601 billion) Education ($621 billion) Healthcare ($3. 0 trillion) Germany Taxes: Income Tax Other sources of income: Fees, exports (FIsh) Spendings: Military ($43. 9 billion) Education ($311 billion) Healthcare ($400 billion)

Law United States: Crime Rate (Percentage): 55. 84% Prison population: 2, 220, 300 (0. 91%) Punishments: Capital punishment, jail/prison time, fines Court System:

Law Germany: Crime Rate: 23. 57% Prison Population: 77, 166 (0. 00094%) Punishments: No death penalty, imprisonment Court System:

Relationship U. S. Assistance to Germany None to date Both are working to expanding the world economy Belong to same international organizations United Nations North Atlantic Treaty Organization Maintain peace and freedom