Weimar Constitution

Question 1

How was the Weimar constitution formed?

Answer 1

-The council of People’s representatives was temporary. On 19th January 1919, there was an election for a National Assembly. The SPD won 40% and Centre Party won 20%. On the 31st of July, they agreed on a brand new constitution called ‘Weimar Constitution’
-German Revolution

Question 2

Why was the constitution seen as weak?

Answer 2

-WEAKNESS IN CRISIS:
-Lack of strong, single party government was a problem in a crisis when swift decisions were needed.
-COALITION GOVERNMENT:
-Proportional Representations meant small parties won seats so there was 29 parties in total in the 1920s. They often argued and coalitions fell apart.
-DIVISIONS AND VIOLENCE:
-Was created out of violence without any real public enthusiasm. The government had to use force during the revolution, relying on the army.

Question 3

what were the strengths of the constitution?

Answer 3

-DEMOCRATIC
-CHECKS AND BALANCES: carefully made so no one party couldn’t have too much power.
-LOCAL GOVERNMENTS STILL HAD POWER, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT HAD MORE POWER THAN UNDER KAISER