Plan Germany A Parliamentary Democracy
Plan; To what extent was Germany a parliamentary democracy in the years 1900-14?
Agree
It practiced universal male suffrage for those over 25 years old who voted for the Reichstag. Done through use of secret ballot so people could cast their votes without fear of being persecuted for their choice.
The people voted for the Reichstag, and the Reichstag had the power to pass an annual budget, and it had control over the defence budget. Although the Kaiser could dissolve the Reichstag, it couldn’t be dismissed indefinitely and had the right to hold elections straight after dissolution.
Power of Reichstag made clear through Daily Telegraph affair 1908. Shows they had power as Bulow ended up losing his role as chancellor as he failed to censor the interview in which the Kaiser expressed desires for an alliance with Britain. Shows the Kaiser could not displease the Reichstag.
Turn out of the Reichstag elections increased from 50% in 1871 to nearly 85% in 1912 – the German people had realised that it was important, no longer viewed it as a meaningless institution.
Signs of constitutional change, as a constitution was granted to Alsace Lorraine in 1911.
In 1912, the Social Democrats were able to become the largest party in the Reichstag. (?)
Men of all classes were allowed a vote, meaning that every layer of society had the opportunity to be represented.
German citizens enjoyed civil liberties as a Rechtsstaat: the freedom of expression, of press, and of assembly.
Disagree
The Bundesrat was flawed, as it could veto legislation if 14 members voted against a bill. Prussia had 17 of the 58 seats, and so this ensured Prussian dominance in the passing of legislation.
The federal structure was unfair and undemocratic.
The voting system was divided into a “three class franchise”, which meant that votes of those who paid more tax counted for those who paid less. The lowest group of voters made up around 92% of the electorate. This meant that Prussian Chamber of Deputies
Agree
It practiced universal male suffrage for those over 25 years old who voted for the Reichstag. Done through use of secret ballot so people could cast their votes without fear of being persecuted for their choice.
The people voted for the Reichstag, and the Reichstag had the power to pass an annual budget, and it had control over the defence budget. Although the Kaiser could dissolve the Reichstag, it couldn’t be dismissed indefinitely and had the right to hold elections straight after dissolution.
Power of Reichstag made clear through Daily Telegraph affair 1908. Shows they had power as Bulow ended up losing his role as chancellor as he failed to censor the interview in which the Kaiser expressed desires for an alliance with Britain. Shows the Kaiser could not displease the Reichstag.
Turn out of the Reichstag elections increased from 50% in 1871 to nearly 85% in 1912 – the German people had realised that it was important, no longer viewed it as a meaningless institution.
Signs of constitutional change, as a constitution was granted to Alsace Lorraine in 1911.
In 1912, the Social Democrats were able to become the largest party in the Reichstag. (?)
Men of all classes were allowed a vote, meaning that every layer of society had the opportunity to be represented.
German citizens enjoyed civil liberties as a Rechtsstaat: the freedom of expression, of press, and of assembly.
Disagree
The Bundesrat was flawed, as it could veto legislation if 14 members voted against a bill. Prussia had 17 of the 58 seats, and so this ensured Prussian dominance in the passing of legislation.
The federal structure was unfair and undemocratic.
The voting system was divided into a “three class franchise”, which meant that votes of those who paid more tax counted for those who paid less. The lowest group of voters made up around 92% of the electorate. This meant that Prussian Chamber of Deputies