Constitution of the Republic of Austria

Manfred Stelzer is Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Vienna, Austria.

• 1. History and Character of the Austrian Constitution I. Introduction II. The Evolution of the Austrian Constitution A. The Absolute Monarchy B. The Constitutional Monarchy C. The First Republic, Armed Conflicts and the Authoritarian Regime D. The Second Republic III. Characteristic Features of the Austrian Constitution A. The Style of the Constitution B. Interpreting the Constitution C. Written Constitution and Efficient Constitution IV. Basic Principles of the Constitution V. Engineering Constitutional Changes VI. Conclusion Further Reading 2. Political Parties and Social Partnership I. Introduction II. The Development of the Party System A. Political Parties versus Electoral Parties B. The Emergence of the Party SystemC. From the mid-1980s Onwards III. The Law on Political Parties A. The Founding of Political Parties B. The Funding of Political Parties IV. The Social Partnership V. Conclusion Further Reading 3. The Legislative Branch of the Federal Government I. IntroductionII. The Electoral System and the Composition of the National Council A. The Electoral System B. The Legal Status of Members of the National Council III. Assembly and Legal Status of the Federal Council IV. Parliamentary Functions I: Legislation A. Legislative Procedures B. Delegation of Legislative Powers C. Participation in EU Legislation V. Parliamentary Functions II: Overseeing the Executive Branch of Government A. Legal and Political Accountability of the Administration B. The Audit Court and the Ombudsman Board VI. Conclusion Further Reading 4. The Executive Branch of the Federal Government I. IntroductionII. The Federal President A. Election and Legal Position of the Federal President B. The Powers of the Federal President C. Accountability of the Federal President III. The Federal Cabinet A. The Appointment of the Federal Cabinet B. The Powers of the Federal Cabinet C. Instructing the Administration D. The Accountability of the Federal Cabinet and Federal Ministers IV. The Civil Service V. Foreign Affairs and European Membership A. International Treaties B. Bodies of International Organisations C. European Union VI. The Federal Budget VII. E-Government VIII. Nationalised Industry IX. Conclusion Further Reading 5. Federalism and Autonomous Public BodiesI. Introduction II. The Concept of Austrian Federalism III. The Allocation of Powers (Competences) A. Function and Principles of the Allocation of PowersB. The General Allocation of Powers C. ‘Special’ Allocation of Powers – The Finance Constitution D. Interpretation of Regulations Regarding Competences IV. State Legislation A. Institutions and Procedures B. External Powers C. Cooperation in the Federal State and Participation of the States in EU Legislation V. The Indirect Federal Administration and the Role of the State Governor VI. Municipal Government and Autonomous Public Bodies VII. Conclusion Further Reading 6. Jurisdiction I. Introduction II. The Separation of Jurisdiction and Administration and the Road to a Two-Tier System of Administrative Jurisdiction III. The Organisation of the Highest Courts IV. Powers and Policies of the Highest Courts Pertaining to the Constitution A. The Constitutional Court B. The Administrative High Court C. The Supreme Court D. The Impact of EU Law on the Court SystemV. Conclusion Further Reading 7. Fundamental Rights I. Introduction II. General Aspects A. History and Character of Fundamental Rights in Austria B. Social Rights and the Social Welfare System C. Third Party Effect III. Binding Effect on the Administration A. Freedom Rights B. Principle of Equality IV. Binding Effect on the Legislation A. The Equality Clause B. Freedom Rights: From Deference to Proportionality V. Selected Case Law A. Abortion B. Assisted Suicide C. LGBTQ+ Rights D. Islamic Head Scarf E. Immigration and Asylum F. Data Retention G. Covid-19 Response VI. Conclusion Further Reading