The system of government Flashcards
Government Type
Single-party state
Ruling Party
Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED)
Constitution
Adopted in 1949, known as the “Constitution of the German Democratic Republic”
What rights and principles did the “Constitution of the German Democratic Republic” lay out?
- Socialist Orientation
- Separation of Powers
- Fundamental Rights
- Social and Economic Rights
- State Ownership
- Central Planning
- Democratic Centralism
Socialist Orientation
The constitution explicitly declared the GDR as a socialist state, based on Marxist-Leninist principles and guided by the dictatorship of the proletariat
Separation of Powers
The constitution outlined the separation of powers into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial
However, in practice, the legislative branch, dominated by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED), held significant control over the other branches
Fundamental Rights
The constitution guaranteed certain fundamental rights to the citizens of the GDR, such as freedom of speech, press, assembly, and association
However, these rights were often limited and subject to restrictions imposed by the ruling party
Social and Economic Rights
The constitution recognised various social and economic rights, including the right to work, social security, education, and healthcare
The state played a significant role in providing these services and ensuring a planned socialist economy
State Ownership
The constitution enshrined the principle of state ownership of the means of production, with the state controlling major industries and economic resources
Central Planning
The constitution emphasised the central planning of the economy, with the goal of achieving a socialist society.
It recognised the leading role of the SED in economic planning and implementation
Democratic Centralism
The constitution endorsed the principle of democratic centralism within the SED, which meant that decisions made at the top levels of the party were binding on lower levels, and dissenting views were not tolerated
It’s important to note that while the constitution outlined certain rights and principles…
the GDR often fell short of ensuring genuine democratic practices and individual liberties, as the ruling party maintained tight control over political, economic, and social aspects of society
Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Preamble
“The German People, imbued with the desire to safeguard human liberty and rights, to reshape collective and economic life in accordance with the principles of social justice, to serve social progress, and to promote a secure peace and amity with all peoples, have adopted this constitution.”
Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Article 1
“Germany is an indivisible democratic republic, the foundations of which are the German Länder.”
“There is only one German nationality.”
Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Article 2
“The colors of the German Democratic Republic are black, red and gold.”
“The capital of the republic is Berlin.”
Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Article 3
“All state authority emanates from the people.”
“Every citizen has the right and the duty to take part in the formation of the political life of his Gemeinde (community), Kreis (county), Land (state) and of the German Democratic Republic”
“State authority must serve the welfare of the people, liberty, peace and the progress of democracy”
“All state authority emanates from the people” - meaning
This principle implies that government officials and institutions derive their authority and legitimacy from the people they represent
This principle also implies that the government is accountable to the people
What is the concept of state authority emanating from the people often associated with?
The Social Contract Theory
What is the Social Contract Theory?
The authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed, meaning that the power of the government rests on the will and agreement of the people it governs.
Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Article 4
“Every citizen is in duty bound to act in accordance with the Constitution and to defend it against all enemies.”
Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Article 5
“The generally recognized rules of international law are binding upon state authority and every citizen.”
“It is the duty of state authority to maintain and cultivate amicable relations with all peoples.”
“No citizen may participate in belligerent actions designed to oppress any people.”
Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Article 6
committed the state to adhere to the “principles of socialist internationalism” and to devote special attention to its “fraternal ties” with the Soviet Union
What is socialist internationalism?
Socialist internationalism advocates for international cooperation and solidarity among workers and oppressed peoples worldwide
It emphasises the belief that the struggles and aspirations of the working class are not confined to national boundaries but are interconnected on a global scale
What does socialist internationalism reject?
Socialist internationalism rejects narrow nationalism
What does socialist internationalism promote?
Socialist internationalism promotes the idea that workers of different countries should unite to challenge capitalist exploitation
What does socialist internationalism recognise?
Socialist internationalism recognises that capitalism operates globally and that workers face similar challenges and exploitation regardless of their nationality
What does socialist internationalism seek to do?
Socialist internationalism seeks to transcend national divisions and foster international collaboration
Central Planning
Economy centrally planned by the state, with state-owned enterprises dominating various sectors
National Front
Coalition of parties and mass organisations, dominated by the SED, controlled political life in the GDR
Democratic Centralism
Decision-making within the SED, where decisions were made at the top and strictly implemented
Stasi
Ministry for State Security, responsible for surveillance and repression, played a significant role in maintaining control
Lack of Pluralism
Limited political freedom, suppression of dissenting voices, and restricted media
The dominance of the SED
The SED dominated the GDR with the “Volkskammer” simply rubber-stamping its proposals
The SED and the state
The SED dominated the state at all levels:
- The Council of Ministers, the main executive organ of government, had to comply with SED decisions
- The Council was dominated by SED members such as Grotewohl and Ulbricht
- The SED dominated public sector jobs at all levels and promoted the employment of members of the working classes
