The Reichstag and the parties Flashcards
(29 cards)
Why were Reichstag deputies not paid?
to make it difficult for less privileged classes to run for election
What powers did the Reichstag and Bundestag have in relation to legislation?
- Reichstag could vote on legislation (but not initiate it)
- Bundesrat could veto legislation from Reichstag
What power did the Kaiser have in relation to the Reichstag rejecting the Chancellor’s proposed legislation?
dissolve the Reichstag
Why did the Reichstag have to vote on legislation?
no bill could become law otherwise
Why did Bismarck often make concessions?
it would be difficult to dissolve the Reichstag every time they disagreed with him
What was the Reichstag’s main power?
control of the budget
Why was the Reichstag an open forum of debate?
deputies had parliamentary immunity
Why could Bismarck not ignore the political parties?
- they had mass popular appeal
- Bismarck needed more widespread support for his policies
How many years of compulsory military service for men? why?
- 2-3 years
- instil Prussian values of discipline, loyalty, militarism and patriotism
Why did many Germans’ take for granted that the needs of the army needed to come first?
The army had formed the state through war
What political views did army officers have?
hard-line conservatism
- had little time for liberals or socialists
What concerns did those in the army have?
equally as concerned about:
- internal threats
- external threats (abroad)
How much federal (government) expenditure was on the military?
80%
- weakened monetary power of Reichstag
Although the National Liberals opposed federal financing of the army, causing tension with Bismarck, what compromise did they come up with?
military budget fixed for 7 years at a time
Which party supported the creation of a German empire?
National Liberal
How were the political parties geographically divided?
- North: National Liberal (although did well in Baden)
- South: German People’s Party, Centre Party
When did the National Liberal party sever ties with Bismarck?
1878
Who were the most popular political party in the 1870s?
National Liberals
Who did the National Liberals represent?
industrial and professional middle class
What was the National Liberal share of the vote in 1871?
30.1%
What was the National Liberal share of the vote in 1874?
29.7%
Who did the Centre Party (Z) represent?
Catholic interests
Which parties opposed the creation of a German empire?
- German People’s Party (DVP)
- German Conservative Party
Who did the German Conservative Party (KPD) represent?
Junkers
