The political culture of Germany as of the early 21st century is known for the popular expectation of governments and social responsibility , business and labor corporatism and a multiparty system dominated by conservative and social democratic forces, with a strong influence of smaller Green , liberal and socialist parties. Coalition gouvernements are predominant on Both the federal and the state level exemplifying the German desire for consensus politics INSTEAD of one party majority rule as in Democracies That follow the Westminster model. Although this consensus is in favor of political participation and political decision making. Political decision making is more complicated by the powers held by the German states and the presence of a judicial branch with the power to review and dismiss legislation. Therefore political power in Germany is not concentrated in the hands of one or a small number of individuals but spread thinly. Even the Chancellor can only set the general guidelines for federal policies ( Richtlinienkompetenz ) and has to negotiate with many other politicians and interest groups when there is a need to take concrete measures.