Features of the Weimar Republic's constitution Flashcards
Was the constitution flawed or …
Was it a good constitution which was misused by politicians
What was a notable feature of the Weimar constitution?
It was very democratic
What are some examples of its free democratic state?
. Universal suffrage as men and young women were enfranchised for the first time
. Increased Reichstag power and control
What did the constitution containing checks and balances mean?
Enhanced democratic credentials - no one part of the political system should have been able to become too powerful
What did The Bill of Rights contain?
Liberal features to help support democracy
What did freedom of speech ensure?
A free press
What did freedom of association mean?
People were free to participate in politics via political parties, trade unions or pressure groups
What emergency provision did constitution have?
Article 48 - meant the president had power to rule via presidential decree in case of emergency
How could Article 48 be countered?
Reichstag could review and overturn any decree issued
Why was proportional representation a problem?
. Fragmented the party system which made
it difficult to form durable coalition
governments
. Meant small extremist parties could gain representation and exposure
Who supported the Weimar Republic’s constitution?
Socialists and workers
Who opposed the Weimar Republic’s constitution?
. Conservatives - wished for a constitutional monarchy
. Right-wing parties
. Industrialists and business owners felt the constitution gave too many rights to workers - did not serve their interests
