The Second Reich - Constitution Flashcards
The Chancellor had to have the support of who for new law ideas?
The Reichstag - without this he could not implement a law, no matter how minor it was.
The Kaiser had full control of foreign affairs all the time - true or false?
False - he only had this control IF he chose to exercise it. Wilhelm I let Bismarck take control, but Wilhelm II wanted to exercise the control for himself.
Who appointed the Chancellor and Ministers, and who actually were they in relation to who appointed them?
The Kaiser - he often appointed friends and people who shared his interests, NOT actual politicians.
Which state had the most seats in the Bundesrat (House of Lords equivalent) and how many seats did they have?
Prussia - they had 17 out of 58 seats.
What was wrong with the seating arrangements in the Bundesrat in terms of veto-ing legislation?
Only 14 out of 58 votes were needed to veto legislation, and Prussia held 17 seats - if Prussia didn’t like a proposed law, it would never become law!
How were the members of the Reichstag chosen?
By election, but only males over 25 could vote.
What powers did the Reichstag have?
They could initiate debate and question the Chancellor - if the majority of the Reichstag didn’t like something he proposed, it would not get passed on to the Bundesrat.
According to the constitution, if the Reichstag passes a vote of no confidence the Chancellor is removed. True or false?
True - BUT the Kaiser can choose to overrule this decision as the Chancellor is appointed by him, such as happened to Bethmann after the Zabern Affair in 1913.
Whose consent was required for ALL legislation?
The Bundesrat
What body was independent of the constitution and who was responsible for them?
The Army, who were responsible to the Kaiser.
