Did the Constitution of the Weimar Republic establish a sound structure for democracy in Germany ? Flashcards
What was the Birth of Weimar Republic like ?
The assembly met in the city of Weimer and set up a new constitution
Who were the leaders of the new constitution ?
Ebert would be President and Schidemann as Chancellor of a coalition government.
What was the relationship like between the national ( federal ) government and the local states ?
Political authority is exercised in national affairs such as foreign policy and tax by the national government.State affairs were governed by the state government in accordance with state constitutions. Federal law overrides state law.
What functions of government were the states allied control ?
In the Weimar Constitution, the states retained their powers over the police, education, religion and social welfare
Role of the President in the Weimar Constitution ?
Elected by German people every 7 years.
Appointed and dismissed ministers.
Command over armed forces.
Ensure public safety
Appoints the Chancellor
Can use Article 48 - Emergency powers
could dissolve the Reichstag
Role of the Chancellor in the Weimar Constitution ?
Leader of the biggest and most popular political party.
Chosen by the President
Propose new laws / policies in the Reichstag.
Keep control, of the Reichstag
Role of the Reichstag in the Weimar Republic ?
Elected every 4 years by men and women over 20.
Chancellors and ministers were responsible for Reichstag.
voted on the budget; new laws had to originate in the Reichstag.
What was the system of voting in the Weimar Republic ?
Proportional Representation
What was proliferation representation ?
It was designed to ensure that all shades of political opinion were represented in the Reichstag.Parties were allocated seats in proportion to the percentage of votes that they received in an election.
What problems did proliferation representation cause ?
Proliferation of small parties and coalition government
How was proliferation of small parties a problem
Smaller parties could gain representation in the Reichstag .This enabled smaller parties - many of whom were anti republican - to exploit the parliamentary system to gain publicity
What problems did a coalition government have and how did it come about ?
Due to the proliferation of small parties , none of the larger parties could gain an overall majority.Since governments had to have majority support and command, all governments were coalitions, many of which did not last long.
strengths of the constitution ( right to vote )
The new German constitution provided a wider right to vote than in countries such as Great Britain and France.Women were able to vote on the same terms as men and they were allowed to become deputies in the Reichstag and state parliaments.
strengths of the constitution ( democracy )
There was full democracy in local government as well as central government
strengths of the constitution ( rights of an individual )
The constitution also set out clearly the rights of an individual. The fundamental Rights and Duties of German citizens were guaranteed.Statements included : ‘ all Germans are equal before the law ‘ ; ‘ personal liberty is inviolable’ ; ‘ censorship is forbidden ‘ ; ‘ the right of of property is guaranteed’ ; and ‘ all inhabitants enjoy full religious freedom.It promised ‘ economic freedom for the individual ‘.
