West Germany: The system of government in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG)

Question 1

What was the name of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG)?

Answer 1

The Basic law

Question 2

When was the Basic law announced?

Answer 2

May 23 1949

Question 3

What did Article 21 of the Basic law state?

Answer 3

Undemocratic parties can be banned

Question 4

Describe the role of the President in the FRG

Answer 4

• Federal convention elected president every 5 years.

- Overall say in government

Question 5

Describe the role of the Chancellor in the FRG

Answer 5

• Appointed by president, but needed parliamentary approval
• Leader of largest political party in Bundestag
• Could not be dismissed unless new Chancellor voted in
• If Chancellor didn’t have parliamentary support, new elections were held

Question 6

Describe the role of the Bundestag in the FRG

Answer 6

• Representatives of Bundestag elected by secret ballot of elections every 4 years
• Electors vote for regional representative and political party
• Proportional representation used for electoral procedures
• Key role to vote on, debate and pass laws of country

Question 7

Describe the role of the Bundesrat in the FRG

Answer 7

Made up of representatives from Lander, chosen by those elected to represent different regions of Germany

Question 8

Describe how role of the president differed in the FRG to those outlined in the Weimar Constitution

Answer 8

• President elected every 7 years (5 in the WC)
• President appointed by convention (people in WC)
• President can’t appoint/dismiss chancellor at will

Question 9

Describe how the role of the Bundestag differed in the FRG to those outlined in the Weimar Government

Answer 9

5% of voted got seats in the Bundestag

Question 10

Identify 3 features the Basic law, which aimed to overcome problems of the Weimar Constitution and prevent the rise of extremist groups in Germany

Answer 10

• Equal rights to German citizens, regardless of sex, race and political views
• A state education for all
• Abolish political parties if they worked to undermine the FRG or its democratic principles

Question 11

Identify 3 similarities of the Basic law and the Weimar Constitution

Answer 11

• Equal rights to German citizens, regardless of sex, race and political views or religion
• The state to be democratic and social federal
• All state authority would be deprived from the people