They are then countersigned by the Chancellor, who thereby becomes responsible for their due execution.
The members of the Bundesrath are appointed by the Federal Governments: they are sixty-two in number, and now include those from the Reichstand of Elsass-Lothringen (Alsace-Lorraine)[74] [Footnote 74: Up to 1874 the government of Alsace-Lorraine was vested solely in the Emperor and Chancellor.

In 1874 the conquered lands returned deputies to the Reichstag.

In October 1879 they gained local representative institutions, but under the strict control of the Governor, Marshal von Manteuffel.

This control has since been relaxed, the present administration being quasi-constitutional.] The Prussian Government nominates seventeen members; Bavaria six; Saxony and Wuertemburg and Alsace-Lorraine four each; and so on.

The Bundesrath is presided over by the Imperial Chancellor.