Political impact of 1949 elections

What were the votes for the 3 major parties like?

Strong, which was an endorsement of the democratic process, which showed people’s general acceptance of the state.

CDU/CSU = 31% SPD = 29.2% FDP = 11.9%

How many parties got into the elections in 1949?

11 parties, and 2 independent members got into parliament, some with distinctly right-wing leanings.

What did the elections not easily provide?

A basis for creating an effective government.

What was a weakness of the elections regarding the 5% hurdle?

1949, 6 of the parties gained less than 5% of votes but still got in before hurdle introduced 1953.

What was the issue with the right-wing of the CDU?

Were sympathetic to the great coalition with SPD but Adenauer, leader, wanted a smaller coalition with FDP and one of the smaller parties.

Was against some economic and foreign policy and didn’t want to compromise.

How successful was Adenauers coalition?

208/402 seats, not a comfortable majority, but a strong working basis.

What happened on the 15 September 1949?

Adenauer was elected chancellor with majority of just one - including his own vote.

Who was to be the first president?

Theodor Heuss.