***FRG government Flashcards
What did the Basic Law ensure?
Equal rights to all citizens, free speech, freedom to form. unions and other groups, free assembly, state education for all.
What did Article 20 of the Basic Law declare?
That the FRG was a democracy. State authority is derived from the people and shall be exercised by the people through elections.
What did Article 21 of the Basic Law declare?
That political parties must reform to democratic principles. Those which undermine democracy shall be abolished.
Who was Head of State in the FRG?
The President
How was the Head of State put into power?
The President was chosen by a representative convention every 5 years.
How much power did the President supposedly have?
Limited power, largely formal and symbolic.
Which 2 groups made up German Parliament?
The Bundestag and Bundesrat.
What did the Bundestag do?
Approved the Chancellor and passed laws.
What did the Bundesrat do?
Local government: Helped to form laws. It was made up of representatives from the Lander. The Bundesrat could veto the Bundestag.
How was the Chancellor appointed and dismissed in the FRG?
Appointed by the President but needed parliamentary approval. The Chancellor could not be dismissed by the president unless a new chancellor was voted in. If the Chancellor did not have parliamentary support new elections would be held.
What was the electoral system referred to as?
A representative democracy
What was the only valid reasoning for the banning of political parties?
If their aims were un-democratic (Article 21).
How was the Bundestag elected?
A combination of proportional representation and first past the post.
How much of the vote did parties have to gain before they were represented in parliament?
5%
How did the Allies force Germans to confront their guilt?
They were forced to visit opened concentration camps and assist with burials.