aug 11, 1919 - Weimar Constitution signed

Description:

Effects:

Fragmented Parliament - Proportional representation resulted in many small parties getting seats, which meant that no single party could achieve over 50% of the votes. This led to Coalitions being formed, which weakened the government. By 1930, there had been 5 elections in 10 years.

Loss of Democracy - Article 48 gave the President power to issue decrees without the approval of the Reichstag during a state of emergency. From 1930-32, Article 48 was used 109 times in 3 years. Allowed Hitler to later obtain a decree based dictatorship after the Reichstag Fire Decree of February 1933

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