Why was the Article 48 of the Weimar Republic considered harmful for t...
The correct answer is option B, It gave the President power to impose emergency, suspend Fundamental Rights and rule by decree.
Article 48 of the Weimar Republic's constitution gave the President the power to impose a state of emergency, suspend fundamental rights, and rule by decree. This provision was considered harmful for the republic because it gave the President excessive power, which could be used to bypass the legislative process and undermine democratic institutions.
The president could use the article 48 to rule by decree, without the consent of the parliament and the president could also use this article to suspend the rights of citizens. This provision could be used to bypass the legislative process, which could lead to a dictatorship, and it also could lead to a lack of trust in the government, and the democratic process.
Option a) It gave too much power to the trade unions is not true.
Option c) It provided a complex system of proportional representation is not true.
Option d) It prevented the Weimar Republic from forming a stable government is not true.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 9 courses
Why was the Article 48 of the Weimar Republic considered harmful for t...
Introduction:
Article 48 of the Weimar Republic was a provision in the German constitution that granted the President emergency powers. While it was intended to address urgent situations and ensure the stability of the republic, it ultimately proved to be harmful for several reasons.
1. Presidential Power:
Article 48 gave the President extensive powers to impose emergency measures, suspend Fundamental Rights, and rule by decree. This meant that the President could bypass the legislative process and make decisions unilaterally. While these powers were intended to be used in exceptional circumstances, they were frequently abused, leading to a concentration of power in the hands of the President.
2. Threat to Democracy:
The wide-ranging powers granted by Article 48 posed a significant threat to the democratic nature of the Weimar Republic. By suspending Fundamental Rights and ruling by decree, the President could effectively undermine the principles of democracy, as decisions were made without the necessary checks and balances.
3. Lack of Accountability:
Article 48 lacked sufficient mechanisms for holding the President accountable for their actions. Without proper checks and balances, the President could abuse their powers without facing consequences. This lack of accountability further eroded the stability and legitimacy of the Weimar Republic.
4. Hindrance to Stable Government:
The emergency powers granted by Article 48 often hindered the formation of a stable government. As the President had the authority to dissolve the Reichstag (parliament) and call for new elections, this led to frequent changes in the composition of the government. This instability made it difficult for the Weimar Republic to effectively address the economic and social challenges it faced.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Article 48 of the Weimar Republic, while intended to address urgent situations, ultimately proved harmful for the republic. The extensive powers it granted to the President undermined democracy, lacked accountability, and hindered the formation of a stable government. This provision played a significant role in the eventual collapse of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 9 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 9.