Weimar Constitution

Assignment: I am providing a link to the actual text of the Weimar Constitution. Please choose TWO sections, one from the first part on the structure of government, and a second from the second section on rights. Please write out the passages, interpret the meaning of them and explain why you chose these passages

Article 17
Every state must have the constitution of a free state. State parliament must be elected in a general, equal, immediate and secret ballot, in which all Reich German men and women participate, according to the principles of representative election. The state government requires the confidence of state parliament.
The principles for the election of state parliament also apply for local elections. State law may determine if those who lived in the community for one year or less may participate in the election or not.

The passage is saying that every state should be formed or made up as a free state. Every Reich German men and women should have the equal rights to participate. Each branch of the government should have their own representative. The people should have a saying on who represents them when it comes to government decisions. The state government needs assurance from the legislature in order to make decisions .It also says that the state law has the decision to choose who can be part of the election if they have a year or less living in the state. I chose this passage because I agree that individuals should be part of political and governmental decisions. I disagree that all because a person has lived in the state for a year or less may not be able to elect. They should have the chance to elect or be part of it because they are not part of the state population.

Second Part
Basic rights and obligations of the Germans
First Chapter: The Individual
Article 109
All Germans are equal in front of the law.
In principle, men and women have the same rights and obligations.
Legal privileges or disadvantages based on birth or social standing are to be abolished.
Noble titles form part of the name only; noble titles may not be granted any more.
Titles may only be granted, if they indicate an office or occupation; academic degrees are not affected by this regulation.
The state may no more bestow orders and medals.
No German may accept titles or orders from a foreign government. 

The passage is setting forth the Germans rights as individuals. All Germans are equal and should be treated as such. Both genders have the same rights and responsibilities. No one is superior or inferior than the other based on who they are or what they have. Title of nobility is abolished as well as privileges. They were also protected from foreign countries that tried to manipulate command. I chose this passage because I thought it was interesting how the government was changing. They wanted the Germans to become more equal don’t matter who they are and what they have. By doing this they help abolish discrimination and imperialism. They wanted to renew justice and liberty decisions within the country to advocate social progress.