The population in each group of states was about the same, the researchers said.

However, just because a group of states are all democratic does not mean that they follow the same rules.

The club works with state groups to support these aims.

A small group of states put no limits on contributions.

This group of states works together on many important matters, like business, health and the fight against poverty.

Others close to the investigation said the state group had been informed about the allegations.

The two groups of states have about the same number of children, the researchers said.

The former group of states was encouraged to campaign against these pacts.

The conservatives wanted Germany as a group of independent, weak states.

Typically, the state groups use the information to lobby their legislatures.