Grundgesetz (Basic Law)

The Grundgesetz, or Basic Law, is Germany’s constitution established in 1949. It serves as the fundamental legal framework that defines the country’s political structure, protecting fundamental rights, and establishing the rule of law. The Basic Law sets out principles like democracy, human dignity, and equality, and guides how government institutions operate. It also guarantees freedoms such as speech, religion, and press, ensuring that power is exercised within legal limits. While originally intended as a temporary constitution, it became the permanent basis for Germany’s legal order after reunification, serving as a safeguard of democracy and individual rights.