ABSTRACT
Flächenstaaten executives comprise a cabinet of between nine and 15 ministers, headed by the Minister President. Executive power in Staatstaaten is vested in a similar body, termed the Senate, which is headed by a mayor (Bürgermeister) in Berlin and Hamburg, and a Senate President in Bremen. Some ministries are common to all Länder. For example, ministers of interior, finance, economy, transport, labour, social security and education are to be found in each state. The interior minister is the most important ministerial post. This minister is responsible for all police and judicial matters, and, more importantly, any authority not specifically granted to another ministry. The ministries within each Land may also vary according to custom or to the specific needs of the Land. Bremen, for example, has a minister for ports and harbours.
