ABSTRACT
Austria is, at least formally, a federal republic, even though the position of the central government is much stronger than that of the regional subdivisions, the member states or Lander. Austria is made up of nine member states or provinces which differ substantially in size and population. The originally extensive power of the Austrian Lander or estates rooted in the Middle Ages, was continuously restrained by an increasingly dominant absolutism. A closer look at the scope and meaning of the assigned powers and rights reveals a striking preponderance in favor of the federal government, which has sole legislative and executive power over most of the important matters of state. School inspectors who have extensive power in educational matters, especially regarding personnel decisions, are also chosen according to the strength of the parties in the legislature.
