The Political Structure of the GDR

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What was the system of Government in the GDR?
A federal republic comprising of a people's chamber-Volkskammer and the Landerkammer which represented the state. The Politburo was the supreme authority.
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What is a Federal Republic?
A federation of states (union of of partially self governing states under a central federal government) with a republican government. There is a division of powers between the federal government, and the government of the individual states.
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When was the Stasi formed?
March 1950
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Who Governed the GDR?
The SED was the government of the GDR at all levels.
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When did Walter Ulbricht become general secretary (leader) of the SED?
1950
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What was the Volkskammer and what was its role?
The supreme organ of legislation in the GGR which determined policy and organised finance. It also elected the council of ministers
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How were members elected to the Volkskammer?
Direct and secret ballot.
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What was the Landerkammer and what did it do?
It was the legislative body representing the 5 states of the GDR, whose job was to reflect the interests of these individual states.
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Why was the Landerkammer weak?
Its vetos could be overridden by the Volkskammer which was far more powerful. Simply rubber-stamped Volkskammer policies. Abolished in 1958.
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What were some of the key features of the 1949 constitution?
Volkskammer was supreme authority of the GDR-elected by secret ballot, head of the GDR was the minister president elected by largest party in the Volkskammer, personal rights assured, religious intolerance outlawed, unions recognised
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What were elections like in the GDR?
Carried out in a climate of fear, most non SED candidates rejected, voters had to approve or reject all candidates. SED dominated elections.
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When did the first elections in the GDR take place?
October 1950
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What governing body oversaw security forces?
The central commission for state control
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What was the role of the stasi?
Provide security for political institutions, conduct espionage abroad, detect all internal opposition to the state.
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What was the KVP
The people's police, effectively the army of the GDR
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When was the supreme court created in the GDR?
December 1949
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What was the significance of articles 6+8?
They could be loosely adapted which gave the authorities the power to use force to crush opposition. The supreme court interpreted article 6 as it chose.
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How did the SED hold power over the state?
The SED dominated public sector jobs which meant people were binded to the system. Council of ministers dominated by SED + had to comply. Emphasis on ideological purity in GDR.
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How was the SED itself governed?
By a central committee = the Politburo and a central committee executive of 80 members who elected Politburo
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What was the politburo comprised of?
14 full members in 1947 and candidate members who had less influence
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What is a Federal Republic?

Back

A federation of states (union of of partially self governing states under a central federal government) with a republican government. There is a division of powers between the federal government, and the government of the individual states.

Card 3

Front

When was the Stasi formed?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Who Governed the GDR?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

When did Walter Ulbricht become general secretary (leader) of the SED?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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