The Constitution of The Second Reich

The Second Reich 

The Consitution 

• The architect of both German unification and the constitution of the Second Reich was Otto von Bismarck.
• Of Prussian origin, Bismarck sought to protect the power of Prussia and the Prussian ruling elite in his cosntitution, while allowing an element of popular democracy.

The Kaiser

Strengths 

• The Kaiser was always to be the Prussian king, this reinforced Prussia's dominant positition in the Second Reich.
• He had full control over foreign and diplomatic policy. This meant he had the power to make alliances, sign treaties, wage war and sue for peace. 
• In times of war he was commander in chief of the armed forces of all of Germany's states.
• He could appoint and dismiss the Chancellor and had the power to dissolve the Reichstag. 
• Held responsibilty to publish and oversee and implement federal law. 

Weaknesses 

• The personality of the Kaiser was exremely important to how successful the constitution ran and whether good decisions were made for Germany.

The Chancellor 

Strengths 

• The position of Chancellor was independent of the Reichstag.
• He could appoint and dismiss the state secretaries and oversaw the running of the government ministries.
• He could ignore the resolutions passed by the Reichstag.

Weaknesses

• The position of Chancellor had a fundamental weakness. He and his ministers were solely responsible to the Kaiser.
• However, as Wilhelm I and Bismarck worked together well, this weakness was covered up.
• Unless Chancellor and Kaiser had a mutual respect and a common political outlook, the entire system would be very difficult to effectively run.
• Success also depended on the make up of the Reichstag.
• Even though he could ignore it, he needed to be able to…