Parties play a central role in the political system of the Federal Republic of Germany. A party is an association of citizens who wish to exert an influence on the formation of political opinion, either permanently or for a longer period of time, in the area of the Federal Republic or a Land, and to participate in the representation of the people in the German Bundestag or a Land parliament.

In addition, the overall picture of the actual circumstances, in particular the scope and strength of their organization, the number of their members and their public profile, must provide sufficient guarantee of the seriousness of this objective. Their internal organization must conform to democratic principles.

Parties must register with the Federal Election Commissioner and deposit a number of documents there (for example, the statutes and the party program).