2.1.1 Political structure of the German Empire

• Who was Germany's absolute ruler from 1871 to 1918?

  Kaiser
• What power did the Kaiser have over the chancellor?

  He could appoint and dismiss the chancellor
• What was the role of the Kaiser in Germany?

  He was the absolute ruler with extensive powers
• What positions did the Kaiser hold in Germany?

  Head of state, military, and government
• What could the Kaiser do if he disagreed with parliament's decisions?

  He could dissolve the parliament
• What legislative power did the Kaiser possess regarding laws passed by the Reichstag?

  He could veto laws
• How did the Reichstag influence the appointment of the chancellor?

  By voting them out
• What was another power of the Reichstag?

  Approving the budget
• What does the Bundesrat do before a law is official?

  It can approve or reject the law
• Who appointed the chancellor in Germany?

  The Kaiser
• What is the Bundesrat in German politics?

  A council of state governments
• What options did the Kaiser have regarding a bill passed by the Reichstag?

  The Kaiser could either approve or reject it
• What could the Reichstag do if they wanted to increase social welfare programs?

  They could pass a bill
• What are the key powers of the Bundesrat?

  • Reviewing laws
  • Participating in budget
  • Protecting state rights
• What advantage does the Kaiser have with the Bundesrat's existence?

  It allows sharing power with state governments
• What is the role of the Bundesrat in protecting state rights?

  It ensures states retain their authority
• What was the role of the Kaiser in the old system?

  The Kaiser appointed and commanded
• How did the Reichstag influence government spending?

  By controlling the budget
• What was the old system called?

  Kaiser (hereditary for life)
• How does the Bundesrat participate in the budget process?

  They help decide government spending
• What was the power of the Kaiser in the German Empire?

  Ultimate power to appoint officials and control military
• How is the Bundesrat different from the Reichstag?

  Bundesrat represents states, Reichstag represents people
• What are the main features of the Reichstag and Bundesrat?

  • Reichstag:
  • Members: Elected by people
  • Power: Approve laws, budget
  • Bundesrat:
  • Members: State-appointed
  • Power: Review laws, protect states
• Who led the executive branch of the German Empire?

  The Kaiser
• What was the ideology of the Conservatives in Germany before 1945?

  Maintain traditional order and strong army
• What was the structure of the old system's government?

  • Kaiser (hereditary for life) appointed and commanded
  • Imperial Parliament made up of state representatives, supported the Kaiser and made the laws
  • Reichstag was a debating chamber with some control over finance, could only approve laws
• What is the Reichstag in Germany?

  Germany's parliament
• What type of party were the Social Democrats?

  A socialist party
• What could the Reichstag do regarding new laws?

  They could create and vote on new laws
• How did the Kaiser interact with the Reichstag and Bundesrat?

  Faced pressure from both legislative bodies
• What was the focus of the National Liberals in Germany?

  National unity and economic progress
• What was the vital role of the Reichstag?

  It played a vital role in government
• What created ongoing tension within the German government before 1945?

  Conflicting ideologies of political parties
• How did the members of the legislative bodies in the old system get chosen?

  • Members of the Imperial Parliament were chosen by state governments
  • Members of the Reichstag were elected by all men over 25
• What was the name of the legislative body in the old system?

  Reichstag
• What were the key political parties in Germany before 1945 and their ideologies?

  • Conservatives: Traditional order, strong army
  • National Liberals: National unity, economic progress
  • Social Democrats: Workers' rights, social welfare
• What reforms did the Social Democrats demand?

  Universal suffrage and better working conditions
• How does the Bundesrat balance decisions in German politics?

  By representing state governments in legislation
• What was one of the powers of the Reichstag?

  Passing laws
• What branches are involved in the German Empire's government structure?

  Executive branch and legislative branch