Article 50  Functions
The States participate through the Senate in the legislation and administration of the Federation and in European Union matters.
 
Article 51  Composition
(1) The Senate consists of members of the State governments which appoint and recall them. Other members of such governments may act as substitutes.
(2) Each State has at least three votes; States with more than two million inhabitants have four, States with more than six million inhabitants five, and States with more than seven million inhabitants six votes.
(3) Each State may delegate as many members as it has votes. The votes of each State may be cast only as a block vote and only by members present or their substitutes.
 
Article 52  President, Rules of Procedure
(1) The Senate elects its President for one year.
(2) The President convenes the Senate. He convenes the Senate where delegates from at least two States or the Government so demand.
(3) The Senate takes its decisions with at least the majority of its votes. It draws up its rules of procedure. Its meetings are public. The public may be excluded.
(3a) For European Union matters, the Senate can establish a European Chamber whose decisions are considered decisions of the Senate; the number of State votes cast in unison are determined according to Article 51 II.
(4) Other members of or persons commissioned by State governments may serve on the committees of the Senate.
 
Article 53  Presence of Government
The members of the Government have the right, and on demand the duty, to attend the meetings of the Senate and of its committees. They have the right to be heard at any time. The Senate is being kept informed by the Government as regards the conduct of affairs.