1. Why did the Weimar Constitution cause problems?
C/W
Why did the Weimar Constitution cause problems?
AIM: To be able to explain the impact of the Weimar Constitution
STARTER:
Match the key term to the correct definition and write them out neatly in your books
EXT can you give a historical example for each key term?

2. Definitions - Match the Pairs
Monarchy
The rules which say how a country should be governed
Republic
A government or state ruled by a sovereign
Constitution
A government in which elected representatives possess power

3. What was the Weimar Republic?
Following the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm at the end of the First World War, Germany’s biggest political party the Social Democrat Party (SPD) set up a new democratic government which soon became known as the Weimar Republic.
They held elections, and then met in Feb 1919 to create a new constitution in Weimar, because there was too much unrest to meet anywhere else.
Even after the new government moved back to Berlin, the new republic was still known as the Weimar Republic.
By August 1919, the Weimar Constitution was finished.

4. What was the structure of the Weimar
TASK INTRODUCTION & LEARNING DEVELOPMENT
What was the structure of the Weimar
TASKS:
Study the structure of the Weimar Republic and look at page 8
Complete the missing parts of the Weimar constitution
Make a list of the strengths and weaknesses with this system of government, use the information on pages 8 and 9 to help you identify these
S&C Explain what you feel the most significant strength and weakness was of the new Weimar constitution
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
:D Able to describe at least 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses to the Weimar Constitution
C: :. Able to explain at least 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses to the Weimar Constitution
B-A: : Able to assess the strengths and limitations of the Weimar Constitution

5. The Weimar Republic
President
(Head of State)
appoints
Chancellor
(Head of Government)
Local
Governments
Commander-in-Chief of
needs the support of
appointed
ARMED FORCES
REICHSTAG
REICHSRAT
parliament
Elects
Electorate
(men and women over 20)

6. Strengths
Weaknesses

7. Strengths
Weaknesses
All Germans had equal rights, including the right to vote.
Proportional representation encouraged lots of small parties which each got a small number of MPs. No one party could get a majority, so governments had to be coalitions. There could never be a strong government.
A strong president was necessary to keep control over the government and to protect the country in a crisis
The states could be hostile to the national government, and even try to overthrow it.

8. Strengths
Weaknesses
All Germans had equal rights, including the right to vote.
In 1919 the Republic had many enemies. It was not sensible to give equal rights to those who wished to destroy it.
Proportional representation made sure that political parties were allocated seats in Parliament in proportion to the number of votes they got.
Proportional representation encouraged lots of small parties which each got a small number of MPs. No one party could get a majority, so governments had to be coalitions. There could never be a strong government.
A strong president was necessary to keep control over the government and to protect the country in a crisis
The president had too much power. It was possible he could turn himself into a dictator.
Each state had its own traditions. It was right they should keep some control over their own affairs.
The states could be hostile to the national government, and even try to overthrow it.

9. B
Explain one effect of the new constitution on Germany 4 Marks
Type of question?
This is a description question
What do I need to do?
The aim of the question is to get you describe one key consequence or effect
Hot Tip!
Examiners are looking for you to describe the effects of an event. They do not want you to just identify what the event was but to also explain the consequences
Ideas for your answer
Point
Begin by stating the consequence or effect you are discussing
Evidence
Now support your idea with one or two examples to show your knowledge
Assess
Finish off by explaining why this was a significant or important effect

10. Developed statements of consequence
Level
Mark
Descriptor 1
1-2
Simple or generalised statements of consequence
The candidate makes statements which lack any supporting
knowledge or makes unsupported points 2
3-4
Developed statements of consequence
The candidate supports their statement with relevant examples and subject knowledge.

11. Peer Assessment When you have finished swap with someone.
They will look out for:
At least 3 connectives
used (underline them)
At least 3 formal words
At least 3 facts used
(underline them)

12. The Definition Game
Constitution Autocracy Monarchy Democracy Republic Kaiser Reichstag Reichsrat Chancellor Veto Emergency Powers Majority Universal Suffrage Electorate