Weimar Germany 1919 - 1933

Question 1

List 6 strengths of the Weimar Constitution

Answer 1

• The fundamental laws
• Article 48 (after Kapp putsch) to maintain control
• President elected every 7 years (stabilising factor)
• The Reichsrat means all 17 Lander’s are represented.
• Proportional representation is extremely democratic as everyone’s vote counts
• The Chancellor/President are directly elected by the people

Question 2

List 6 weakness of the Weimar Constitution

Answer 2

• Article 48 could be abused by the President
• The Reichstag was unstable due to PR
• 7 years was a long time for the President to be in control
• The Reichsrat disrupted different laws in different areas
• The President could easily establish a dictatorship as they were in charge of the army and the courts
• Reichsrat were ‘appointed’ rather than elected.