SEM 2: The political systems of FRG & GDR compared

Discussion seminar 2: The political systems of the Federal Republic and the GDR compared

1. What political system was created for FRG in late 1940s? What were its main institutions and how did they function during the period of Germany’s division?

·       FGR -> Basic Law's ensuring rights for Germans

o   Restriction on DEM with a need of 2/3 votes

o   Learning from lessons from history

o   Allied influences

·       Main institutions

o   The Bundestag (Federal Parliament)

·       Lower house of GER parliament, elected directly by people through mixed-member proportional rep system

·       Responsible for passing laws, approving budget, overseeing gov

·       Crucial role in ensuring DEM representation

·       PM of 15 states -> making them very powerful

o   The Bundesrat (Federal Council)

·       Represented federal states (Länder) & composed of delegates appointed by state governments.

·       Had say in legislation, particularly in areas affecting Fed-state relations.

o   The Federal Chancellor (Bundeskanzler)

·       The head of government, elected by the Bundestag.

·       Held significant power in directing gov policy and administration.

o   The Federal President (Bundespräsident):

·       A largely ceremonial figurehead elected by Federal Convention.

·       Limited political power but plays role in ensuring constitutional stability

o   The Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht):

·       Ensured the compatibility of laws with the Basic Law.

·       Played crucial role in maintaining DEM principles & preventing authoritarian rule. 

·       Functioning during GER division

o   FRG operated as W- style parliamentary DEM with strong commitments to human rights, federalism, economic stability

o   Positioned itself as continuation of GER state -> rejecting GDR claims to sov

o   Maintained policies of non-recognition toward GDR until 1970s: Willy Brandt's Ostpolitik

 

2. Why was this political system chosen for the new West German state?

·       Designed to prevent mistakes of Weimar Republic -> no one could gain absolute power

·       Preventing authoritarianism

o   Weimar suffered from weak gov and instability, which contributed to Hitler’s rise.

o   Basic Law introduced a strong chancellor system, limited presidential powers, & constitutional court to prevent authoritarian rule.

·       Need 5%, win federal state election, federal elections, Bundestag, Bundesrat -> GER deliberately put fences in way (very consensual)

·       Stability through Federalism

o   Nazi regime had centralized power FRG strengthened role of federal states (Länder) to balance power

·       Influence of the Allied Powers:

o   W Allies, encouraged DEM & CAP system based on their own models.

o   W GER integrated into W institutions: NATO (1955) & European Economic Community (1957) to align it with W bloc.

·       Economic Considerations – The Social Market Economy:

o   Adopted a social market econ, blending CAP with social welfare policies, ensuring economic recovery and prosperity 

3. How has it developed since 1949? What influence has it had on the development of FRG?

·       Key Developments:

o   1950s-1960s: Economic Miracle strengthened legitimacy of FRG’s system

o   1970s: Ostpolitik policy under Willy Brandt softened relations with GDR

o   1980s: Rise of environmental & Civ rights movements led to greater political pluralism (e.g emergence of the Green Party).

o   1990s-Present:

·       After German reunification in 1990, FRG's political institutions were extended to East Germany

·       FRG played leading role in EU integration: creation of Eurozone

·       System has remained stable despite challenges such as reunification, EU crises, and the rise of populist movements.

·       Influence on the FRG’s Development:

o   Ensured democratic stability, unlike the Weimar Republic.

o   Created a socially balanced economy, reducing class conflicts.

o   Established GER as leading EU power with strong commitment to int coop

·       Gaining Western states trust -> seen as a legitimate state

·       Expansion of federalism from 1990

o   Continued support for EU integration + more welcoming

o   Rapid economic growth -> refugee increase

·       Become more liberal

o   Aware of their rights -> power of constitution

o   Success in their DEM + support of tradition of peace 

4. What were the main institutions in the GDR’s political system and how did they function?

  • GER = established October 1949 in Soviet controlled zone

  • Adopted a single-party socialist system under SU

  • Main institutions

  • The Socialist Unity Party (SED):

    • Ruling COM party controlled all aspects of political, economic, and social life.

    • It dominated the government and suppressed opposition.

  • The Volkskammer (Lower Chamber of parliament):

    • Officially legislature, but in practice, rubber-stamp body that approved decisions made by SED.

    • Elections were neither free nor competitive.

  • The Council of Ministers (cabinet, FR inspired)

    • Executive branch, but operated under direct influence of SED leadership.

  • The State Council (Staatsrat):

    • Functioned as collective head of state, replacing office of president in 1960.

  • The Stasi (Ministry for State Security):

    • Secret police org responsible for surveillance, repression, & control over citizens.

  • The National People’s Army (NVA):

    • A highly controlled military force, aligned with the Soviet Union.

  • GDR operated as a Soviet-style command economy and dictatorship.

  • Dissent was harshly punished, and Stasi maintained control through surveillance.

  • The Berlin Wall (1961-1989) symbolized the regime’s repressive nature.

  • Anti-fascist democratic republic at face value but in reality it was 1 party-state

5. Why was this political system chosen for the GDR?

  • Soviet Influence: USSR imposed a COM system to establish an Eastern Bloc buffer state.

  • Marxist-Leninist Ideology: GDR’s leadership aimed to create a socialist workers' state.

  • Control and Stability: GDR needed authoritarian system to prevent uprisings?

  • Centralised planning

6. What are the main interpretations of this political system? How do they differ?

  • Totalitarian Interpretation:

    • Views GDR as a repressive dictatorship that denied citizens basic rights.

    • Emphasizes role of Stasi, censorship, and lack of political freedoms.

  • Socialist Welfare State Interpretation:

    • Argues despite its flaws, GDR provided social equality, full employment, & extensive welfare programs.

  • Legitimization Through Opposition to the FRG:

    • Some argue GDR’s system was partly a reaction to W GER CAP system and was designed to prevent Western influence.

  • Main differing point -> why people obeyed, they all did but motivations as to why differed throughout