The German principle of educational federalism means that the governmental power in Germany is divided between the federal and the state level. According to the German Basic Law, the federal states are responsible for certain government functions including education. However, while the states are responsible to finance and organise most education related issues, the federal government can assume certain responsibilities in the field of apprenticeships and universities. One result of education federalism is the lack of a unitary school system in Germany. The school systems in every state vary and there are significant differences especially in the length and types of secondary school or student fees in universities. Due to these great discrepancies, the public frequently debates changes in the system of educational federalism.