This article discusses the role of German society in a democracy, examining the challenges facing democratic institutions due to populistic, anti-global, and anti-democratic behavior. The success of a democracy depends on the informed and active participation of its citizens. The German Federal Constitution declares Germany a democratic and social federal state, with German citizens having exclusive power to elect and vote for their leaders. The constitutional order binds law and justice, and the German society has the right to defend its constitutional order against those seeking to abolish fundamental rights. The article also highlights the need for the vigilant role of members of society, including the migrant community, in a democratic society.
1 Introduction: Role of German Society in a Democracy
What is the role of German society in a democracy? Since 8 May 1949, the German Federal Constitution, as the supreme law, vests the German parliamentary democracy in the hands of the German society to actively live in, protect, and shape it. Before proceeding, could we review some hard facts about the German economy? Germany is one of the largest economies in the world, with more than 50% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as exports to the rest of the world (about two-thirds of exports going to other Members of the European Union) and an annual GDP growth of 1.2% p.a. (2012-2022). Apart from the high reliance on imported raw materials, the demographic development of the German economy continues to stress the firm’s production capacities, labor markets, and social security systems (See opportunity costs).
Based on aforementioned societal challenges and others, recent developments of sentiments in the political and economic system show that the political culture in society is drifting towards populistic mindsets, anti-global, anti-human rights, anti-European Union, and anti-democratic behavior (Lochocki, 2015; Decker, 2016; Klikauer, 2018; Klikauer, 2019). Democratic institutions are at stake with consequences for the native population, migrants, and their descendants (with or without migration experience) if all members of society do not take responsibility and play their roles as prescribed by the German Constitution.
Democracy, a system of society’s political governance that empowers individuals to participate in decision-making processes, thrives on the active engagement of its citizens. This article delves into the multifaceted role that members of society play in a democracy, highlighting their responsibilities, rights, and the impact of their engagement on the overall health of the democratic system. We shall analyze the German democracy, and the takeaways are as follows:
- The German Federal Constitution of 8 May 1949 declares Germany a democratic and social federal state.
- In a democracy, the people exercise authority through elections and votes. German citizens have exclusive power to elect and vote for their leaders.
- The success of a democracy relies on the informed and active participation of its citizens.
- The Constitution is the primary instrument in a democracy. The constitutional order binds law and justice.
- The German society has the right to defend its constitutional order against those seeking to abolish the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.
2 The German Democracy and Constitutional Order
A democracy exists via democratic institutions vested in the principles of a society, the political participation of the people using their social interactions, and instruments such as constitutional order, law, and justice.
2.1 The Institution: The German Democracy from 8 May 1949
To understand the need for the vigilant role of members of society in a democracy, we can review the German re-democratization process after the Second World War, after the fall of the Waimerer-Republic in 1933. For example, Article 20 (1) of the German Federal Constitution of 8 May 1949 declares, “The Federal Republic of Germany is a democratic and social federal state.” Therefore, German society chose two principles of social order as its pillars of the state order: democracy and social welfare. Social welfare means that German society aims to protect itself from disparities in wealth, resources, and income distributions between members of society by establishing public social security systems.
2.2 The People: Political Participation and Migration in Germany
In a democracy, the state and its organs do not act in a vacuum but in a society of diverse members (natives, migrants, and their diverse descendants). Article 20 (2) further asserts, “All state authority shall originate from the people. The people shall exercise the authority in elections and votes and by special organs of the legislative, executive, and judicial arm of government.” Laws limit the participation of non-German citizens, giving German citizens the exclusive power to elect and vote their leaders, which is similar in many other countries worldwide.
The current German population (2022) consists of about 28.7
In a democratic society, the role of its members is not merely passive; instead, it is pivotal to the functioning and sustainability of the democratic framework. The success of a democracy relies heavily on the informed and active participation of its citizens, as they contribute to shaping policies, electing representatives, and safeguarding the principles of justice and equality.
2.3 The Instruments: Constitutional Order, Law, and Justice in a Democracy
In a democratic society, decision-makers should use the instruments of democracy (The Constitution, Law, and Justice) with due diligence. According to constitutional theorist Dicey, the Constitution is the primary tool in a democracy, which limits the secondary tools: the law and justice (Gray, 1953; Choy, 1969; Limbach, 2001). Article 20 (3) of the German Federal Constitution declares, “The constitutional order shall bind the legislature, while the law and justice shall bind the executive power and the administration of justice.”
Law and justice are, on the other side, bound by the constitutional order, such that there should be no loopholes in the system. Article 20 (4) further reinforces that “Against anyone who undertakes to abolish this order, all Germans shall have the right to resist if no other remedy is possible.” That means that German society has the right to defend its constitutional order against anyone who seeks to abolish the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. The German Federal Supreme Court has constitutional instruments to defend the Constitution from such a menace, e.g., Articles 18 (Individual behavior), 20a (State behavior), 21 (Political Parties), and 23 (European Union).
Therefore, the German society can, per the Constitution, peacefully protect the rule of law at the ballot, their orderly social interactions using democratic activism within the limits of the Constitutional order and before the Federal Supreme Court as a last resort to resolve unconstitutional behavior. Where does the journey to understand the role of German society in a democracy begin?
- The foundation of democracy: Informed citizenship and members of society
- Political participation: The power is the vote
- Accountability and oversight: The citizen has a constant responsibility of oversight and enforcing accountability
- Social justice and inclusivity: The imperative of democracy is to protect and promote the diversity of society within the limits of democratic behavior.
3 The Foundation of Democracy: Informed Citizenship and Members of Society
A deeper understanding of the critical role of German society in a democracy requires a closer examination of three key areas: Civic education, media literacy, and critical strategic thinking. Well-informed German citizens and migrants would be less likely to promote populism and destroy democratic institutions (systemic risk) at the cost of personal gain (idiosyncratic risk).
3.1 Civic Education as a Cornerstone
Civic education in German society should be the bedrock of an informed society based on facts, not esoteric beliefs and nationalistic populism, at the cost of intergenerational social cohesion amongst diverse communities in Germany. In a democracy, individuals must access quality civic education that fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of their civic responsibilities. Making informed and rational decisions, engaging in constructive dialogue, and questioning authority are crucial for German society’s participation in the democratic process of governing their country and coexist with the rest of the world.
Civic education in German society would play a vital role in shaping the values and beliefs of citizens and migrants in a democracy. The German education system should encourage critical thinking to foster a sense of civic responsibility and provide opportunities for civic engagement, which can contribute significantly to developing a healthy democracy. Citizens and migrants must learn about the workings of their government and political processes and have the skills to engage in constructive dialogue and debate.
How would their representation be secured without access to such essential knowledge? That takes us to the following essential area of media literacy.
3.2 Media Literacy
In an age dominated by information, media literacy is imperative to a healthy democracy. German public and private media houses derive their fundamental right of freedom of the press from the German Federal Constitution Article 5, which they should protect with due diligence and invest in impartial coverage.
Media literacy via the civic education system should equip the diverse German society to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources, identify misinformation, and navigate the complex landscape of news and social media. By doing that, society avoids (Ponzi)-manipulation schemes that aim to capture democratic institutions to implement unconstitutional behavior for the sole gain of individuals at the cost of social peace and development. A well-informed electorate ensures that public discourse is grounded in facts, enabling citizens to make sound decisions that align with the principles of democracy.
Therefore, media literacy is another critical component of a healthy democracy in Germany. The ability to discern facts from opinions, identify bias, and evaluate the reliability of information sources are essential skills for all members of society. Thereby, the German media plays an instrumental role in shaping public opinion, and citizens must be able to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources of information to make informed decisions.
How can German society make critical and strategic decisions without reliable facts? That question directs us to investigate the importance of critical strategic thinking in a democracy because decisions always lead to outcomes with consequences for all members of society.
3.3 Critical Strategic Thinking
Critical strategic thinking is also crucial in German democracy. Decision-makers, e.g., citizens, migrants, and their descendants, must be able to analyze complex issues, evaluate alternative solutions, and make informed decisions. Populist and anti-democratic movements in Germany have often appealed to emotions and simplistic solutions, which can undermine the democratic process and threaten democratic institutions.
A German society with critical strategic thinking is less likely to be swayed by populistic and undemocratic movements selling unattainable idiosyncratic benefits at the cost of collective peace, social welfare, and human rights. Instead, they are more likely to support democratic institutions in upcoming elections and future generations. For that to happen, the current generations in Germany must invest in all means that safeguard democratic institutions (See Article 21a of the German Federal Constitution).
In summary, a well-informed and engaged German society that possesses the skills of critical strategic thinking, media literacy, and civic responsibility is less likely to promote populism and more likely to support democratic institutions for the benefit of a diverse society across all generations.
4 Political Participation: The Power of the Vote
Political participation in Germany is critical to exercising the right to vote. However, other means exist, e.g., civic engagement beyond elections. As German society faces a wide range of challenges, the members of society can engage in lawful social interactions that foster the peaceful coexistence of diverse generations of people from different origins.
4.1 Elections as a Fundamental Right
Voting is a fundamental right and duty of every citizen in the German democracy. Participating in the voting process ensures that German citizens can directly influence the compositions of their parliament, executive, and, indirectly, the judiciary. Through regular elections, individuals have the power to choose representatives who align with their values and advocate for their interests. Consequently, the voting process in Germany empowers citizens to shape their government’s composition and direction directly.
German citizens should be prudent in differentiating between populists claiming otherwise and what the Constitution offers because a vote cast without strategic decision-making might cost the society its future development and cohesion. As defenders of democratic constitutional order, the German society should ensure that the diverse communities in Germany are involved in political governance.
4.2 Civic Engagement Beyond Elections
While voting is a pivotal aspect of political participation, civic engagement extends beyond the ballot box. Citizens and other members of society can actively contribute to their communities by participating in public hearings, joining advocacy groups, and volunteering based on their causes, beliefs, and interests.
For example, locals and migrants working in social sectors and sectors where the labor supply deficit has skyrocketed are vital to the German economy, reducing the burden and social welfare costs. Harnessing a culture of respect toward each other should lead to peaceful coexistence, healthy competition between talents, and protection of society against ethnicity-based conflicts (Lochocki, 2015; Decker, 2016; Klikauer, 2018; Klikauer, 2019). These actions strengthen the social fabric and create a more vibrant democratic ecosystem.
5 Accountability and Oversight: The Watchdog Role
Citizens and other members of society can only play a fair role in German democracy via accountability checks of their leaders in democratic institutions if transparency and access to factual information are incorruptible.
5.1 Holding Leaders Accountable
In a democracy, citizens act as watchdogs, holding elected officials accountable for their actions, meaning that the citizens should be involved in staying informed about government policies, attending town hall meetings, and actively engaging with representatives to ensure that they remain responsive to the needs of the public. Members of society should pay attention to the factual outcomes of political decisions and how they directly affect their lives collectively, and they should hold their politicians responsible for their word of mouth, actions, and intentions. The accountability of leaders is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
5.2 Transparency and Access to Information
Access to information is vital for citizens to fulfill their role as watchdogs effectively. Governments must prioritize transparency, providing citizens with access to information about decision-making processes, policies, and the allocation of resources. Politicians should also factually explain their policies to the members of society. An informed citizenry can better evaluate the actions of their leaders and participate in constructive dialogue to improve governance.
6 Social Justice and Inclusivity: A Democratic Imperative
A German democracy without social justice and inclusivity is like a house without a roof, a shipwreck in the middle of a storm in a deep sea without lifeboats, or a car without wheels and an engine. Such a system will fail to protect its citizens and other members of society from destructive forces of undemocratic behavior, and it will not have the impetus to advance toward the aspirations of a democratic constitution (Limbach, 2001).
6.1 Protecting Minority Rights
Democracy is not just about majority rule; it also involves safeguarding the rights of minorities. German citizens could play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and combating discrimination, amongst other historical injustices that led to the German Federal Constitution of 8 May 1949. Individuals can contribute to developing a just and inclusive German society through activism, advocacy, and support for policies that promote equality.
With growing nationalism in European countries, the United Nations Human Rights Convention, which aims to uphold human rights globally, has fallen short of uniting the world in one voice. However, it has failed to reach its ideal because the process has to start from within the smallest unit of society. Member of society living in democracies hold the power in their hands to transform their societies into centers of democratic participation for all communities in this world. It is their democratic duty to be the voice of the voiceless and their democratic mission to defend the boundaries of democratic behavior.
6.2 Social Movements and Change
History has shown that transformative social change often begins with the collective efforts of citizens advocating for justice and equality. Social movements such as the worldwide civil rights movement, women’s suffrage, the suffrage of Africans, decolonization of Africa, northern vs. southern state’s fight for the end of slavery in the US Civil War, and other social movements for minority rights have shaped democratic societies by challenging norms and pushing for progress. Active participation in social movements remains a potent tool for citizens to effect positive change.
7 Conclusion: The Collective Strength of Democracy
As we reflect on the role of German society in a democracy, it becomes evident that active and informed citizenship is the lifeblood of a flourishing democratic system. From the foundational principles of civic education and media literacy to exercising political rights through voting, citizens are not passive observers but active contributors to the democratic process. In a democratic society, voting is a fundamental right and responsibility every citizen must uphold.
By participating in the electoral process, individuals can influence the composition of the parliament, executive, and, indirectly, the judiciary. Regular elections allow citizens to select representatives who share their values and interests and who will advocate for their rights. Through voting, citizens can actively shape the composition and direction of their government, taking command of their democracy. Holding leaders accountable, ensuring transparency, and advocating for social justice are responsibilities that citizens bear to collectively strengthen and sustain the democratic ideals upon which they build their society.
Summary: The success of a democracy hinges on the active engagement of its members, who play multifaceted roles in shaping the democratic landscape. Education and media literacy are the foundation for an informed citizenry, empowering individuals to participate in the democratic process. Political participation, including voting and civic engagement, allows citizens to exercise their rights and contribute to the vibrancy of their communities. Accountability and oversight are crucial aspects of a healthy democracy, with citizens acting as watchdogs to ensure leaders remain responsive and transparent. Social justice and inclusivity are integral to democratic principles, with citizens actively promoting equality and advocating for the rights of minorities.
In conclusion, the collective strength of democracy lies in the informed and active participation of its citizens, who, through their diverse roles, contribute to the ongoing development and sustainability of a just and inclusive society.
