Weimar Republic

Question 1

Key ways political parties weakened Weimar

Answer 1

• Division and non co-operation
• Extremer parties
• Weak moderate parties

Question 2

Key ways political leaders weakened Weimar

Answer 2

• Abused the power of Article 48
• Many did not support democracy and wanted to return presidential governments
• Had extremist views e.g. Hitler

Question 3

Key ways the constitution weakened Weimar

Answer 3

• Weimer president was seen to be too similar to the Kaiser before
• Proportional representation meant governments rarely lasted long
• Vast potentials for any president to dominate the Weimar political system

Question 4

Main differences between the older constitution and the Weimar Constitution

Answer 4

• Head of state is now elected, not inherited
• Right to vote now depended on age rather than wealth
• Civil liberties now include social rights

Question 5

Main similarities between the older constitution and the Weimar Constitution

Answer 5

• Reichstag laws needed approval by majority
• Can still rule without the Reichstag
• Ministers were responsible for Reichstag

Question 6

Key ways the constitution strengthened the Weimar

Answer 6

• It was more democratic meaning more democratic freedom
• Gave Germany an official army
• Ensured no party was able to achieve majority

Question 7

Key ways the institutions weakened the Weimar

Answer 7

• None of the institution were in support of the Weimar
• Favoured the right-wing parties meaning were lenient with them e.g. Hitler only got 5 years for high level treason.
• Helped legitimise use of political violence