The relationship between the federal German state ("Bund" or Federation) to the 16 constituent states known as Laender is explored in this document. The first part explains the federal structure; it contains the following sections: (1) Unity in Diversity; (2) Distribution of Responsibility; (3) Legislative Powers; (4) Administration-Mainly the Responsibility of the States; (5) Administration of Justice--Federal and State Jurisdiction; (6) The Financial System; (7) The Bundesrat--The Federal Legislative Body; (8) External Representation; and (9) Summary and Outlook. The document's second part provides a description of each of the 16 constituent states--Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenberg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, North-Rhine/Westphalia, Rhineland/Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thurngia. Descriptions mention the history, geography, economy, and overall identity of each state in relation to the republic. (DB)