The book provides an overview of the significance of the federal states and state politics within the federal system of the Federal Republic of Germany. It thus makes an important contribution to the current reform discussion. Germany is a federal republic composed of states that participate in federal politics through the Bundesrat and have their own areas of competence, such as education and higher education, as well as internal security. The bulk of administration lies with them, and municipalities are also part of the state level. The political leadership at the federal level, including chancellors and chancellor candidates, must have proven themselves in state politics. Nevertheless, state politics is often treated somewhat neglectfully in academia. The positioning of the states within the political system of the Federal Republic and in the EU, as well as financial relations, are also significant.