weimar constitution

• What was the name of the German republic between 1919 and 1933?

  The Weimar Republic
• What type of political system was the Weimar Republic?

  Representative democracy
• What was the aim of the Weimar Republic's constitution?

  To give genuine power to all German adults
• What contributed to the downfall of the Weimar Republic?

  Major flaws in its constitution
• What were the strengths of the Weimar constitution?

  • Genuine democracy with elections every four years
  • All Germans over 20 could vote
  • The Reichstag appointed the government and made laws
  • Bill of Rights guaranteed freedoms and equality
• What were the weaknesses of the Weimar constitution?

  • Proportional representation led to many small parties
  • Difficulty in passing laws and weak governments
  • Article 48 allowed president to act without parliament
  • Lack of clarity on what constituted an 'emergency'
• How often were elections held for the parliament and president in the Weimar Republic?

  Every four years
• What was the role of the Reichstag in the Weimar Republic?

  To appoint the government and make laws
• What did the Bill of Rights guarantee in the Weimar Republic?

  Freedom of speech and religion
• What was the impact of proportional representation in the Weimar Republic?

  Led to many small parties in parliament
• How did Article 48 affect the Weimar Republic's democracy?

  Weakened confidence in democracy through overuse
• What was a major consequence of the Weimar Republic's flaws?

  Weak and often short-lived governments