Political and governmental change Flashcards
When did Weimar Germany start and end?
1919 and 1933.
What powers did the president of the Weimar Republic have?
- Select and dismiss the chancellor
- To lead the armed forces
- Dissolve the Reichstag and call new elections
- To rule via presedential decree in the event of an emergency (Article 48)
Describe the system that was used to conduct elections in Germany.
Proportional Representation. -Seats allocated in parliament which correspond to the people’s votes.
ie; if %10 vote for a party, the party receives %10 of the seats.
What rights did the Weimar constitution protect?
- Freedom of association, speech and religion.
- The right to work: The govt had to ensure everyone had a job, or failing that, provide financial support
- The right to own property.
What traditional institutions in Weimar Germany remained unreformed, powerful conservative forces?
- The civil service
- The army
- Universities
- Judiciary
Name 3 positive features of WR constitution
- Very democratic
- Contained checks and balances to try and make sure no one became too powerful.
- Protected many basic civil rights (speech,religion etc.)
What was the impact of Depression on Weimar government?
- The Grand coalition collapsed as parties disagreed over unemployment benefits.
- Subsequent governments lacked Reichstag support. There were 4 chancellors between 1928-33.
What evidence is there that German political system became more authoritarian after 1929?
- Chancellors Bruning and Von Papen relieved extensively on emergency presidential decrees, rather than parliament.
- There were 44 emergency decrees in 1931 (and only 5 in 1930.)
What evidence is there of increase in politically motivated violence?
During July 1932 election, there were 461 riots in Prussia in which a number of people died. Street violence added an air of instability and increased discontent.
Name 3 reasons why Weimar democracy failed.
- Hostility from Germany’s Elites, who worked to undermine democracy.
- Ongoing economical problems; Huge cost of WW1, reparations and expensive welfare.
- Limited popular support; there was never total acceptance of democracy.
What does the Chancellor do within the Constitution?
- Head of government
- Chooses ministers which run the country.
- Puts laws to Reichstag, needs a majority to pass these.
What does the President do within the Constitution?
- Head of State + Armed forces, runs foreign affairs.
- Elected by a vote of all electors, every 7 years.
- Chooses Chancellor (with Reichstag support)
- Under Article 48, can rule via presidential decree.
- Call new elections
- Dismiss Reichstag.
What does Reichstag do under the Constitution?
- Elected by all electors every 4 years.
- Votes cast for a party, not a person. (PR)
- Parties get one seat for every 60,000 votes.
- Pass laws.
What does a Lander do?
- Local parliament for 18 local regions.
- Runs own education, policy and judiciary.
What does the Cabinet (Ministers) do?
- Gives advice and administers the laws.
- Chosen by Chancellor.
- Formyulates laws to pass to Reichstag for a vote.
