8. Political Development and the Working of Democracy 1924-28 Flashcards
Coalition government
Form of government where two or more political parties cooperate to form a government in order to get a majority
How many coalition cabinets were there between November 1923 and March 1930?
7
Why were coalition governments inherently unstable?
Because one party could withdraw from the coalition, causing the other parties (or party) to collapse
Why do coalition government struggle with passing new laws?
Because everything is a compromise
What party’s refused to participate in any coalition?
KPD and DNVP
Why were coalitions often required to be formed by governments?
Because most governments couldn’t reach a majority alone
Percentage of pro-Weimar Republic seats in 1919 compared to May 1924
83% in 1919
50% in May 1924
What remained the single largest party in the Reichstag between 1924 and 1928?
SPD
How many coalition cabinets did the SPD participate in?
6
Why was the SPD a difficult party to be included in a coalition?
Inflexible on important issues
Unwilling to make compromises
What was the Centre Party established to do?
Defend the interests of the Catholic Church
Who supported the Centre Party?
Industrial workers, industrialists, farmers, landlords and professional groups
Why was the Centre Party a better party to be in a coalition than the SPD?
Because it is more flexible
What party did no coalition governments form without?
Without participation of the Centre Party
What was the DVP committed to?
Democracy
