How was the Reichstag elected in the North German Confederation?

In the North German Confederation, the Reichstag was elected by direct universal manhood suffrage.1

While the Reichstag was the representative body for the people, its powers were strictly limited to legislative activities. It lacked the authority to interfere with the federal government's operations, and its control over finances was restricted, as it could not cut off the government's primary income sources.1