2.3.3 Government Response to Political Extremism

• 1968 Emergency Law Provisions:

  1. Intercepting mail
  2. Tapping telephones
  3. House searches
  4. Restrictions in certain jobs
• To many West Germans, the emergency powers were reminiscent of Article 48 but Kiesenger argued the FRG was being threatened with anarchy and extremism from students
• Restrictions on Emergency Powers:

  1. It required approval from both the Bundestag and state governments
  2. It could not abolish existing checks and balances
  3. It could not dissolve the Bundestag
  4. The role of the federal constitutional court remained active throughout the emergency
• In passing the Emergency Laws, the Statue of Occupation was terminated, providing the FRG with full sovereignty