Political Structures of Germany Rechtsstaat: written constitution, independent judiciary, human rights, freedom of speech; right to private property (Basic Law, 1949, p.87) Political Parties: Linkspartei, the Greens, SPD, FDP, CDU, CSU Bundestag: German Parliament Bundesrat: “upper house,” represent- ation of Länder

Economic Structures Service-oriented industry role of exports extraordinarily important (world’s largest exporter) German Federal Bank Federal Cartel Office Importance of interest groups, such as Employer’s associations, trade Unions, industrial relations = dual System (works constitution law), German economy and the EU

Berlin since EU Berliner Republik Major changes in the 90s Berlin Through the eyes of Senocak and Özdamar Germany and the EU How is Berlin portrayed in Stasiland and In Good Bye, Lenin! ?

GDR and Re-unification Soviet Occupation, Transformation, Consolidation, Honecker era, Political institutions within the GDR: SED, Politbüro, Central Committee Stasi, reasons for collapse of GDR 3 phases of unification: protest, political movement, international agreement

Communication between East And West Changes in language and expressions Changes in social services (childcare, Housing, etc.) New economic system for East Germans (competitive job searches, advertising) Conformity and resistance (retaining one’s own language and habits) Besserwessi? Jammerossi? Stereotypes on both sides How is this today, according to Hensel?