What Explains German Länder Governments’ Stances Towards Federalism?

Abstract In federal systems, subnational governments often take highly asymmetric positions on questions of self-rule and shared rule. The German case is emblematic of this dynamic, as some state governments assert their primary role in legislative functions while others highlight the benefits of coordinated and uniform decision-making. Although the existing literature recognizes these differences, it often fails to fully disentangle the underlying reasons for this variation. This article examines several factors shaping the divergent positions of Länder, including historical legacies, party ideology, and cultural and religious differences. Our findings indicate that financial capacity is a key determinant of Länder governments’ stances on federalism questions.