Citizen participation

The possibilities of citizen participation result from Art. 20 para. 2 and Art. 28 para. 1 of the Basic Law (GG). According to this, the principle of representative democracy applies to the Federal Republic of Germany. Wills are primarily formed by elected representatives and not directly by the people. Consequently, the election of local parliaments (election of municipal councils and district councils) is the most important instrument by which the people directly exercise state power. Another important participation opportunity at the municipal level is provided by the direct election of the mayor and the district administrator. In addition to the opportunities for participation according to the principle of representation, the Hessian Municipal Code (HGO) contains several other instruments of participation, some of which are also open to residents who are not entitled to vote (e.g. minors):

Participation as a knowledgeable resident in a commission
Commissions are auxiliary bodies of the municipal executive committee and are also subordinate to it. A commission can be entrusted with both the permanent administration or supervision of individual business areas of the municipal administration as well as the execution of temporary assignments. Depending on the tasks of a commission, "knowledgeable residents" can also belong to it in addition to the mayor, members of the municipal executive and the municipal council.

Citizens' initiatives
A citizens' initiative is an often loose grouping of people who want to enforce or prevent a certain measure through public pressure.

Further elements of citizen participation exist in the form of various rights of hearing, objection and complaint. At the state level, citizens can also exercise their right to petition the Petitions Committee of the Hessian Parliament. Further information on this subject can be found on the websites of the Hessian State Election Commissioner and the Hessian Ministry of the Interior and Sport (section "Kommunales").

Further information on the subject of elections can be found at wahlen.hessen.de.

Municipal democracy

Hessian Parliament, Petitions Committee

Art. 20 para. 2 and Art. 28 para. 1 Basic Law