Weakness of Weimar Government

Question 1

Proportional Representation

Answer 1

This means that any party taking part in the elections would gain seats in the Reichstag equal to the number of votes it won

Question 2

Coalition Government

Answer 2

• Weimar govt adopted a system of proportional
  representation in the Reichstag. Political parties could gain seats in parliament based on the number of votes won.
• many political parties to gain seats BUT no single party could gain control
• resulted in a coalition government which did not last long, could not come to a compromise (e.g. 1919-1933, there were 20
  different coalition governments)
• It was disruptive and the German public was left with the impression that a democratic system could not get things done.

Question 3

Article 48 of Weimar Constitution

Answer 3

• Allows president to dissolve the government and rule in times of

emergency
* President can easily exploit and misuse and curb people’s freedom for
6 months