The fact that the head of state and the head of parliament were democratically elected was a very alien but welcomed idea to a people under monarchic rule for so long as they had been used to someone with an iron fist leading the nation. Although this was a great leap forward in politics and the civil rights of Germans, this political freedom would be the prime factor in the undoing of the Republic.
Another example of this freedom was the introduction of the electoral system of proportional representation which, in theory, was a great and prime example of democracy at its best, but in times of crisis, resulted in an indecisive government which a new authoritarian body could easily take advantage of. One of the most prominent aspects of the constitution was the inclusion of universal suffrage for Germans over the age of 20. This lead to political liberalisation unheard of throughout much of the western world at the time.
The Weimar Government was not just a pioneer in political reform, but also in civil rights and labour reform. Workers were now free to join trade unions, which meant that they would be financially supported when unemployed and could be represented by their union against their employer. The fact that the head of state and the head of parliament were democratically elected was a very alien but welcomed idea to a people under monarchic rule for so long as they had been used to someone with an iron fist leading the nation. Although this was a great leap forward in politics and the civil rights of Germans, this political freedom would be the prime factor in the undoing of the Republic.
In addition to universal suffrage, the Weimar constitution stated that ‘All Germans were equal in the eyes of the Law’. Having declared itself as a republic, a government ruled by the representatives of the people, the Weimar government released its constitution which gave the German people many new-found rights and freedoms which had not been seen for. This was hated by right wing extremist groups who normally depended on a racial/social scapegoat to gain support and power but was welcomed by the proletariat and the majority of the German people. One of the most prominent aspects of the constitution was the inclusion of universal suffrage for Germans over the age of 20. This lead to political liberalisation unheard of throughout much of the western world at the time.
All these political reforms and liberties did not help the people of Germany and actually hindered the Government’s progress and development during the early years of the Weimar reign when the country was experiencing severe economic difficulties but helped Germany blossom culturally, socially and economically during the golden era of 1923 to 1929.
