How did the Weimar Constitution organize Germany’s government?

The Weimar Constitution, promulgated on August 11, 1919, established Germany as a federal, democratic republic. It organized the government through a system of checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches:12

• The Executive: The president served as the chief executive, elected independently by the nation for a seven-year term. The president held significant authority, including command of the armed forces, the power to appoint the chancellor, and the ability to dissolve the Reichstag. Crucially, Article 48 granted the president emergency powers to suspend civil liberties during crises. Political responsibility for government actions rested with the chancellor, who required the confidence of the Reichstag to remain in office.12
• The Legislature: The Reichstag was the lower house, elected by universal suffrage through proportional representation. It held primary legislative power, though the constitution also allowed for popular initiatives and referenda. The Reichsrat served as the upper house, representing the federal states (Länder).12
• Federal Structure: While the republic maintained a federal basis, the central government’s powers were strengthened, granting it overriding control over taxation and the supervision of state law enforcement.1