The system of government

Question 1

Government Type

Answer 1

Single-party state

Question 2

Ruling Party

Answer 2

Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED)

Question 3

Constitution

Answer 3

Adopted in 1949, known as the “Constitution of the German Democratic Republic”

Question 4

What rights and principles did the “Constitution of the German Democratic Republic” lay out?

Answer 4

• Socialist Orientation
• Separation of Powers
• Fundamental Rights
• Social and Economic Rights
• State Ownership
• Central Planning
• Democratic Centralism

Question 5

Socialist Orientation

Answer 5

The constitution explicitly declared the GDR as a socialist state, based on Marxist-Leninist principles and guided by the dictatorship of the proletariat

Question 6

Separation of Powers

Answer 6

The constitution outlined the separation of powers into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial

However, in practice, the legislative branch, dominated by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED), held significant control over the other branches

Question 7

Fundamental Rights

Answer 7

The constitution guaranteed certain fundamental rights to the citizens of the GDR, such as freedom of speech, press, assembly, and association

However, these rights were often limited and subject to restrictions imposed by the ruling party

Question 8

Social and Economic Rights

Answer 8

The constitution recognised various social and economic rights, including the right to work, social security, education, and healthcare

The state played a significant role in providing these services and ensuring a planned socialist economy

Question 9

State Ownership

Answer 9

The constitution enshrined the principle of state ownership of the means of production, with the state controlling major industries and economic resources

Question 10

Central Planning

Answer 10

The constitution emphasised the central planning of the economy, with the goal of achieving a socialist society.

It recognised the leading role of the SED in economic planning and implementation

Question 11

Democratic Centralism

Answer 11

The constitution endorsed the principle of democratic centralism within the SED, which meant that decisions made at the top levels of the party were binding on lower levels, and dissenting views were not tolerated

Question 12

It’s important to note that while the constitution outlined certain rights and principles…

Answer 12

the GDR often fell short of ensuring genuine democratic practices and individual liberties, as the ruling party maintained tight control over political, economic, and social aspects of society

Question 13

Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Preamble

Answer 13

“The German People, imbued with the desire to safeguard human liberty and rights, to reshape collective and economic life in accordance with the principles of social justice, to serve social progress, and to promote a secure peace and amity with all peoples, have adopted this constitution.”

Question 14

Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Article 1

Answer 14

“Germany is an indivisible democratic republic, the foundations of which are the German Länder.”

“There is only one German nationality.”

Question 15

Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Article 2

Answer 15

“The colors of the German Democratic Republic are black, red and gold.”

“The capital of the republic is Berlin.”

Question 16

Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Article 3

Answer 16

“All state authority emanates from the people.”

“Every citizen has the right and the duty to take part in the formation of the political life of his Gemeinde (community), Kreis (county), Land (state) and of the German Democratic Republic”

“State authority must serve the welfare of the people, liberty, peace and the progress of democracy”

Question 17

“All state authority emanates from the people” - meaning

Answer 17

This principle implies that government officials and institutions derive their authority and legitimacy from the people they represent

This principle also implies that the government is accountable to the people

Question 18

What is the concept of state authority emanating from the people often associated with?

Answer 18

The Social Contract Theory

Question 19

What is the Social Contract Theory?

Answer 19

The authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed, meaning that the power of the government rests on the will and agreement of the people it governs.

Question 20

Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Article 4

Answer 20

“Every citizen is in duty bound to act in accordance with the Constitution and to defend it against all enemies.”

Question 21

Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Article 5

Answer 21

“The generally recognized rules of international law are binding upon state authority and every citizen.”

“It is the duty of state authority to maintain and cultivate amicable relations with all peoples.”

“No citizen may participate in belligerent actions designed to oppress any people.”

Question 22

Constitution of the German Democratic Republic (1949) - Article 6

Answer 22

committed the state to adhere to the “principles of socialist internationalism” and to devote special attention to its “fraternal ties” with the Soviet Union

Question 23

What is socialist internationalism?

Answer 23

Socialist internationalism advocates for international cooperation and solidarity among workers and oppressed peoples worldwide

It emphasises the belief that the struggles and aspirations of the working class are not confined to national boundaries but are interconnected on a global scale

Question 24

What does socialist internationalism reject?

Answer 24

Socialist internationalism rejects narrow nationalism

Question 25

What does socialist internationalism promote?

Answer 25

Socialist internationalism promotes the idea that workers of different countries should unite to challenge capitalist exploitation

Question 26

What does socialist internationalism recognise?

Answer 26

Socialist internationalism recognises that capitalism operates globally and that workers face similar challenges and exploitation regardless of their nationality

Question 27

What does socialist internationalism seek to do?

Answer 27

Socialist internationalism seeks to transcend national divisions and foster international collaboration

Question 28

Central Planning

Answer 28

Economy centrally planned by the state, with state-owned enterprises dominating various sectors

Question 29

National Front

Answer 29

Coalition of parties and mass organisations, dominated by the SED, controlled political life in the GDR

Question 30

Democratic Centralism

Answer 30

Decision-making within the SED, where decisions were made at the top and strictly implemented

Question 31

Stasi

Answer 31

Ministry for State Security, responsible for surveillance and repression, played a significant role in maintaining control

Question 32

Lack of Pluralism

Answer 32

Limited political freedom, suppression of dissenting voices, and restricted media

Question 33

The dominance of the SED

Answer 33

The SED dominated the GDR with the “Volkskammer” simply rubber-stamping its proposals

Question 34

The SED and the state

Answer 34

The SED dominated the state at all levels:
- The Council of Ministers, the main executive organ of government, had to comply with SED decisions
- The Council was dominated by SED members such as Grotewohl and Ulbricht
- The SED dominated public sector jobs at all levels and promoted the employment of members of the working classes