Adenauer Era (1949-63) Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Adenauer Era (1949-63) Deck (9)
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1
Q

Who was Konrad Adenauer?

A

Chancellor of the FRG from 1949 until he was ousted in 1963.

2
Q

What does FRG stand for?

A

West Germany.

3
Q

What was the name of the new democratic system introduced in 1949?

A

The Bonn Republic.

4
Q

What were the differences between the President of the Bonn Republic and the President of the WR?

A
  1. No emergency powers and can only be elected once
  2. Not elected by the people (Bundestag and Lander)
  3. Term reduced to five years
  4. Powers dramatically diminished.
5
Q

Describe the structure of the Parliament in the Bonn Republic.

A
  1. Bundestag- federal parliament
  2. Bundesrat- federal council
  3. Chancellor more powerful than President
  4. Chancellor elected by the President and the Bundestag
  5. Constructive vote of no confidence
6
Q

What was the benefit of the constructive vote of no confidence?

A

Helped the BR to avoid constant coalitions, and therefore the weakening of the government, that occurred during the WR era.

7
Q

Describe the structure of the electoral system.

A
  1. Mixed Member Political Representation

2. Direct votes on laws- no referendums/plebiscites

8
Q

How were people elected using the Mixed Member Political Representation system?

A
  1. First past the post vote for seats in the Bundestag

2. 1/2 seats given to majority vote and 1/2 given to parties based on proportional representation

9
Q

What were Adenauer’s main problems/aims?

A
  1. Economy: recession, unemployment, inflation
  2. Social: need for housing after WWII and to accommodate refugees
  3. Politics: FRG still controlled by occupying powers.