Federalism and Self-Government
The Social Republic of Schwerdt is a federal state. Federalism binds the country's external unity with its internal diversity. Further, it also distributes responsibilities between the federal and Länder (state) authorities. An essential element of the powersharing arrangement, it also provides for the participation of Länder in the legislative process at the Federal level.
Authority of the Länder
Schwerdt's Basic Law, or constitution, provides for the authority of the Länder, both explicitly and implicitly. Not mere provinces, the Länder have their own powers. Each must have a constitution, which must be consistent with the republican, democratic, and social principles embodied in the Basic Law.
Certain matters are solely in the realm of the central government, such as foreign affairs and the national defense. The Länder may participate with the Federation in matters of concurrent authority. Examples include cultural preservation and development. Other concerns, like local transportk, remain within the jurisdiction of the Länder.
The real strength of the Länder lies in their participation in the legislative process at the Federal level. This occurs through representation on the Reichsrat (Council of the Realm).
Schwerdt's Länder
- Brandenburg (BG)
- Burghof (BH)
- Großberlin (GB)
- Hesse (HE)
- Mähren (MN)
- Östmark (OK)
- Südmark (SK)
- Westmark (WK)
Communities
Local self governance, as an expression of civic liberty, has a long tradition in Schwerdt. It is manifest in the self government of towns, municipalities, and counties, which is guaranteed by the Basic Law. They must have a democratic structure.
Accordingly, towns, municipalities, and counties have the right to regulate local affairs within the framework of the law. Self government generally embraces town planning and quality of life, such as the arts and recreation.
