Political parties and public policy in the German Länder : when parties matter / Ed Turner.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: Partisan influence upon public policy in decentralised polities -- Do parties matter in the German länder? theoretical and practical challenges, past attempts at exploration, and a new approach -- Contemporary German federalism -- Education, family and childcare, and labour market policies at a land level -- The case of Hesse 1999-2003 -- The Saarland 1999-2004 -- Saxony Anhalt 2002-2006 -- Conclusion.

This book considers the extent to which, and in what circumstances, political parties affect public policy. It explores the regional level in Germany; using case studies in the areas of education, childcare and family, and labour market policy. In particular, the author explores whether party politicians make a difference to policies.