To What Extent Was The Government Handicapped By The Nature Of The Weimar Constitution From 1919-1933?

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Many historians argue the constitution of 1919 was a weakness for the republic. This is due to its proportional representation system, however checks and balances can be argued to strengthen the republic.

Question 2

What is the Acronym?

Answer 2

CPR48 (Creation, proportional, rights, article)

Question 3

Creation Of Constitution

Answer 3

Was a compromise between most successful parties at the time (SPD, Centre DBP) but at subsequent elections they weren’t so popular. This could mean base of institution was narrow.

IN REALITY DID RESPECT WIDER SPECTRUM.

Question 4

Proportional Representation

Answer 4

Lead to many minority governments. In stable period may have been better to use 1st p.p.

BUT MANY LIKED IT AS A WAY TO STOP ONE PARTY BEING ENTIRELY IN CONTROL. KEPT THINGS SIMILAR TO 1912. ARGUABLE THE COALITIONS FELL DUE TO PEOPLE WITHIN THEM RATHER THAN THE FACT THEY EXISTED.

Question 5

Checks And Balances/Civil Rights

Answer 5

President elected 7 years by people. Article 48.

ARTICLE 48 SOMETIMES USED TO UNDERMINE DEMOCRACY (HINDENBURG FROM 1930.

Civil rights and liberties written into constitution. This all shoes how constitution was good in ways too

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

Nature of weimar constitution had positive elements. Did have number of elements i.e. coalitions which could be misused. But it was misuse which handicapped republic, not constitution itself.