The Bundesrat is one of the two legislative chambers in the government of Germany, representing the 16 federal states, known as Bundesländer. Each state sends representatives to the Bundesrat, and the number of representatives depends on the state's population. The Bundesrat plays a crucial role in the legislative process, particularly in matters that affect the states. Members of the Bundesrat participate in discussions and vote on proposed laws, especially those that require state approval. This chamber ensures that the interests of the federal states are considered in national legislation, promoting cooperation between the federal and state governments in Germany.