The Weimar Constitution: Structure and Key Features
The Weimar Constitution, established on July 31, 1919, laid the foundation for Germany's first democratic government. Named after the city where it was drafted, this constitution introduced a complex system of governance with several key components:
Government Structure
- President: Served as head of state, elected every seven years
- Chancellor: Appointed by the president as head of government
- Cabinet: Comprised key ministers for decision-making
- Reichstag: Directly elected parliament representing the people
- Reichsrat: Second legislative chamber representing German regions
Definition: The Weimar Constitution refers to the document that established Germany's first democratic republic after World War I.
Electoral System
The constitution introduced universal suffrage, allowing all citizens aged 21 and over to vote. This was a significant step towards democratic representation.
Highlight: The Weimar Constitution lowered the voting age from 25 to 21 and granted women the right to vote, expanding political participation.
Power Distribution
The constitution aimed to prevent the concentration of power by distributing authority among different branches and levels of government:
- The president had limited involvement in day-to-day politics but held important powers like appointing the chancellor
- The Reichstag controlled taxation and passed laws
- The Reichsrat could delay new laws, acting as a check on the Reichstag
- Local governments retained some autonomy within the federal system
Example: The separation of powers in the Weimar Constitution meant that no single person or group could dominate the government, theoretically preventing authoritarian rule.
