Die kommunalen Spitzenverbände im Gesetzgebungsprozess

This dissertation examines the work of the German local government associations (LGAs) and thus provides insights into the functioning of the federal state as a whole. The LGAs play a central role in representing municipal interests at the federal level. Even though the local level implements most laws, they have only weak participation rights. The study examines the participation and influence of the Association of German Cities, the German Association of Counties, and the German Association of Towns and Municipalities. During the 19th legislative term, the LGAs participate in only 62% of the hearings on laws relevant to the local level. Case studies prove greater influence of the LGAs in building law than in child care regulations.