Federal Convention (Germany) facts for kids
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The Bundesversammlung, also known as the Federal Convention, is a special group in Germany. Its main job is to choose the country's president.
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The Bundesversammlung: Germany's Special Election Body
What is the Bundesversammlung?
The Bundesversammlung is made up of two parts. First, all the members of the Bundestag are included. The Bundestag is like Germany's main parliament. Second, an equal number of people are chosen by the parliaments of Germany's states, called the Länder. These chosen people do not have to be politicians. Sometimes, famous people are picked to be part of this group. The Bundesversammlung usually has about 1200 members.
When Does the Bundesversammlung Meet?
The head of the Bundestag calls the Bundesversammlung together. This person also leads the meeting. The group meets at least 30 days before the current Federal President's term ends. This is to make sure a new president is chosen on time. If a president leaves office early, the Bundesversammlung meets within 30 days.
How the President is Elected
When the Bundesversammlung meets, it does not hold debates. It also does not question any of the people who want to be president. The group chooses the next Federal President by an absolute majority vote. This means more than half of all the votes. If no one gets more than half the votes on the first two tries, they have a third vote. In the third vote, the person with the most votes wins.
Images for kids
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The 1954 convention in the Ostpreußenhalle in Berlin
