Legal expert, scholar and liberal, Hugo Preuss. he attempted to build on the traditions of German politics as well as balance power between the different institutions of the state.
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When was the constitution adopted
31st Of July 1919
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What did the constitution create the Reich as
As a parliamentary democracy with the chancellor and cabinet needing majority support in the reichstag.
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How many states were to be in the Reich federation
17 (Lander)
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What was the role of the President in the constitution
The whole electorate elected the president for seven years. The president was the head of state and commander-in –chief of the armed forces. Under article 48, the president had emergency powers to suspend rights and to do whatever necessary
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What was the Reich Chancellor
The Reich Chancellor presided over the government. The Reich Chancellor and the Reich ministers were under article 54 of the constitution accountable to the Reichstag and had to resign if they lost the Reichstag’s confidence.
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What were the 2 houses that parliament was to be made up of
The Reichsrat and the Reichstag
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What was the Reichsrat
The upper and less important legislature. The Reichsrat represented the 17 Lander of states in the law making process. It could block or undo laws passed by the Reichstag, but the latter could override a Reichsrat veto by passing a measure of 2/3s
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What was The Reichstag
The lower and more important house of the legislature or law making body Elected for 4 years at a time by proportional representation.
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What was the Bill of Rights
The Weimar constitution contained clauses guaranteeing individual rights such as the freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of association.
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Did the Constitution weaken the republic (For)
Many of its main features were not accepted e.g. PR. The Constitution was the product of a compromise between successful parties in 1919.
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Did the constitution weaken the republic (Against)
The Weimar constitution reflected a broad aspect of political opinion. It reflected successful constitutional practice at the time and had built into it checks and balances which could have lead to political stability.
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What was the impact of Proportional Representation
It lead to to coalition governments that rose and fell with spectacular frequency.
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What was article 48
Article 48 of the constitution allowed the President, under certain circumstances, to take emergency measures without the prior consent of the Reichstag.
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What was the positive side of Article 48
It allowed government democracy sufficient flexibility to overcome the main problems facing the republic between 1919 and 1923
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
When was the constitution adopted
Back
31st Of July 1919
Card 3
Front
What did the constitution create the Reich as
Back
Card 4
Front
How many states were to be in the Reich federation
Back
Card 5
Front
What was the role of the President in the constitution
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