Weimar constitution

• Definition of constitution 


  A set of rules and principles that outline how a country is governed
• The definition of the reichstag is


  The lower house of parliament in Germany during the weimar republic. It was where elected representatives debated and voted on laws.
• electorate definition


  The group of people who can vote
• who was the head of the weimar republic

  the president
• Article 48


  A provision in the Weimar Constitution allowing the President to enact laws and regulations without Reichstag approval, suspend civil liberties in times of emergency, and exercise almost absolute power.
• Article 48 limitations


  The President had to declare the state of emergency in writing, a review by the Reichstag had to take place within 14 days, and the Reichstag could veto the decree law.
• Article 48's impact on democracy


  Article 48 eroded legislative power, concentrated executive power, lacked accountability, and contributed to authoritarianism, weakening the rule of law and causing political instability and loss of public trust in the Weimar Republic.
• what is the proportional representation 


  A voting system meaning that the number of votes a party got eqauted to the number of seats a party got in the reichstag
• What was the foundational law of the Weimar Republic?

  The Weimar Constitution
• What type of government did the Weimar Constitution establish?


  A democratic government
• How did the Weimar system differ from the previous government system in Germany?


  It was created among different sections of Germany, unlike the previous empire system
• Who was the head of state under the Weimar Constitution?

  The President
• How often was the President elected in the Weimar Republic?


  Every seven years
• What was the primary role of the President under the Weimar Constitution?


  Primarily ceremonial
• What control did the President have over the military?


  The President had control over the armed forces but couldn't use it to suppress the democratic government
• What special powers did the President have during times of emergency?


  The ability to take measures without the approval of the Reichstag
• Under what condition could the President suspend certain rights or use the military?


  If he judged the country was in danger
• Who headed the government under the Weimar Constitution?

  The Chancellor
• Who appointed the Chancellor?

  The President
• What was required for the Chancellor to govern effectively?


  Support from the Reichstag
• What were the responsibilities of the Chancellor and other ministers?

  To run the country and ensure laws were implemented effectively
• How did the Chancellor and ministers ensure their policies aligned with the electorate?


  By working with the Reichstag
• What are the two houses of the Weimar Parliament?


  • Reichstag (lower house)
  • Reichsrat (upper house)
• How often were members of the Reichstag elected?


  Every four years
• What powers did the Reichstag have?


  The power to dismiss the Chancellor, reject or change laws, approve the budget, and question the government's actions
• Who was included in the electorate of the Weimar Republic?


  All men and women over the age of 20
• Why was the inclusion of women in the electorate significant?


  It was one of the first times in German history that women had the right to vote
• How did proportional representation affect the political landscape in the Reichstag?


  It allowed many different political parties to be represented, making the government more democratic but difficult for one party to gain a majority
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution's electoral system?


  Strengths:

  • Democratic representation of multiple parties
  • Inclusion of women in voting

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Difficulty for one party to gain a majority
  • Potential for political instability
• What was a significant democratic feature of the Weimar Constitution?


  It granted all men and women over 20 the right to vote.
• How did Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution affect the President's power?


  It allowed the President to bypass the Reichstag and rule by decree in emergencies.
• What was a consequence of the President's ability to rule by decree under Article 48?


  It could undermine democracy by concentrating power in the hands of the President.
• What was a drawback of the proportional representation system in the Weimar Constitution?


  It made it difficult to form stable governments, leading to political instability.
• What was one of the vulnerabilities of the Weimar Constitution regarding extremist groups?


  It allowed extremist groups, like the Nazis, to gain influence.
• How did proportional representation benefit the political landscape of the Weimar Republic?


  It ensured that a wide range of political parties had a voice in the Reichstag.
• What was the purpose of the checks and balances in the Weimar Constitution?


  To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.