The Basic Law is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany. It was adopted on 8 May 1949 by the Parliamentary Council, which consisted of representatives elected by the Land parliaments, and entered into force with the expiry of 23 May 1949.
Initially intended as a temporary solution, the Basic Law has evolved over its 75 years of existence to become an anchor of stability for German society. The fundamental rights, which protect the personal freedoms of the individual, were deliberately laid down in the very first articles of the Basic Law. The German Constitution also contains provisions regarding the organisation of the state, setting forth and giving shape to the basic and unamendable principles in this area – the principles of democracy, the rule of law, federalism and the social state.
The rules of the Basic Law would remain incomplete if they were not underpinned by institutions that apply and enforce them in a binding manner. The Federal Constitutional Court has the final say on the interpretation of the Constitution. It is therefore considered ‘the guardian of the Basic Law’.
