• Gave vote to all people over 21

• System of proportional representation (PR) as used for elections of the Reichstag (parliament)

• Elections were to take place every 4 years

• Government would be run by a chancellor

• Germany became a federal system o Power was shared between the central government and state (regional) governments

Strengths:

• PR made sure even the smallest parties had a fair share of seats

• Not one group nor person could have too much power

• Most democratic country in Europe at the time o

  • Equal rights and votes to women

• Elections for both the Reichstag and President

Freedom of speech and religion

Weaknesses:

• PR led to coalition governments o Found it difficult to agree => collapse

• In the 20s there were 29 parties => less chance of a majority

• The army, civil servants and judges wanted the Kaiser back

• Article 48 o The president could take control whenever they declared an emergency => dictatorship

• Greatly disliked by the people