Changes

Because of the instability caused by the need for multi-party coalitions in the Weimar Republic, Germany's Basic Law today requires parties reach 5% of the vote to win seats in the Bundestag. In addition to those parties that won representation in the Bundestag in 2005, a variety of minor parties won a cumulative 2.7% of the vote, down from 3.0% in 2002. Several other parties were on the ballot in one or more states but did not qualify for representation in the federal Bundestag.  

Because of the instability caused by the need for multi-party coalitions in the Weimar Republic, Germany's Basic Law today requires parties reach 5% of the vote to win seats in the Bundestag. In addition to those parties that won representation in the Bundestag in 2005, a variety of minor parties won a cumulative 2.7% of the vote, down from 3.0% in 2002. Several other parties were on the ballot in one or more states but did not qualify for representation in the federal Bundestag.  

Other important parties under 5% are the [[Pirate Party]] (PIRATEN), the [[Alternative for Germany]] (AfD) and the [[Free Democratic Party]] (FDP). The FDP has traditionally been composed mainly of middle and upper class Protestants who consider themselves heirs to the European libertarian tradition. It supports free trade and reducing the role of the state in economic policy. It is libertarian on social issues. The party has participated in all but three postwar federal governments but had not been in federal government from 1998 to 2009. The FDP was part of the government together with CDU from 2009 to 2013, but it was on a decline since then. 2013 the FDP lost the election and left the parliament.

Other important parties under 5% are the [[Pirate Party]] (PIRATEN), the [[Alternative for Germany]] (AfD) and the [[Free Democratic Party]] (FDP).

===Principal Government Officials===

===Principal Government Officials===