The correct answer is:
controls the government
kontrolliert die Regierung
Independent study resource, not a BAMF website. Translations are study aids; the exam is in German.
Quick explanation
The parliamentary opposition scrutinises the government.
Why is this correct?
It asks critical questions, makes counter-proposals and can set up committees of inquiry.
Background
The opposition consists of all parliamentary groups in the Bundestag that are not part of the government. It has an important scrutiny role: in debates, question time and written questions, it challenges the government to explain its policies. Just one quarter of the members can demand a committee of inquiry (Article 44) or have a law reviewed by the Federal Constitutional Court. The opposition is also a possible government of tomorrow.
Why are the other answers wrong?
The Federal Chancellor decides who becomes a federal minister. The state governments decide who sits in the Bundesrat. The heads of the state governments are elected by the state parliaments. The opposition in the Bundestag has no influence on any of this.
Memory tip
The government governs – the opposition scrutinises.
Legal basis: Art. 44 Basic Law (GG) ↗
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