Political Authority 2

Question 1

What was the makeup of Germany like before 1871?

Answer 1

there was no single state of Germany

Question 2

How many states were there before 1871?

Answer 2

300+

Question 3

What caused states to be loosely grouped together?

Answer 3

Holy Roman Empire

Question 4

Who caused the breakdown of the Holy Roman Empire?

Answer 4

Napoleon (1806)

Question 5

When was Napoleon defeated and what effect did this have on Germany?

Answer 5

1815 - 39 states were established

Question 6

What was the purpose of reducing the number of states?

Answer 6

to create greater stability

Question 7

Who was in competition to influence the new states?

Answer 7

Prussia (largest state) and Austria (German-speaking neighbour)

Question 8

How many states did the Kaiser rule over?

Answer 8

26 - including Prussia = 60% of the Reich

Question 9

How many states retained their own monarchy?

Answer 9

22 (Bavaria)

Question 10

What was the 1871 constitution extremely similar to?

Answer 10

1867 Northern German Confederation

Question 11

How was the Kaiser allocated?

Answer 11

hereditary monarch/ king of Prussia

Question 12

Who were members of the government loyal to?

Answer 12

Only responsible to the Kaiser and NOT the Reichstag

Question 13

What was the overall job of members of the government?

Answer 13

to outline laws

Question 14

How is the chancellor described?

Answer 14

‘a responsible officer’

Question 15

What did the chancellor have the advantage of?

Answer 15

could not be removed by a vote of no confidence

Question 16

What was the main job of the chancellor?

Answer 16

to preside over the Reichstag and handle any delegated powers

Question 17

What was the purpose of political parties?

Answer 17

act as pressure groups as they did not compete for the right to rule

Question 18

What did political parties represent?

Answer 18

the interests of different parts of society