The first Election and Article 48. Flashcards
1
Q
who won the first 1919 election?
A
social democrats (SPD) with 37.9% making Fredrick Ebert president
2
Q
how often was there to be an election?
A
The parliament (Reichstag) was to be elected every four years with a system of proportional representation All people over the age of twenty could vote
3
Q
how often was the president elected?
A
every 7 years
4
Q
what was the role of the president?
A
the commander of the armed forces and was designed to a largely figurehead position. He did have the power to dissolve the Reichstag and to nominate the Chancellor who was to enjoy the support of the Reichstag. Crucially under Article 48, the president could declare a state of emergency and rule by decree. He could also veto laws passed by the Reichstag that he did not like.
