Historical and Contemporary Overview of Germany's Political System

Political Science

AP Comparative Government and Politics

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| Questions: 14 | Updated: Aug 4, 2025

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1. What was the Second Reich?

A time when Germany was divided into multiple small states.

This is when Germany became unified by emperor von Bismark and took its shape

A period of economic downturn in Germany during the early 1900s.

The era of the French Revolution in Germany.

The Second Reich refers to the period of unified German history from 1871 to 1918 under Emperor Wilhelm I and his successor Wilhelm II, following the unification efforts led by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck.

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About This Quiz

Historical And Contemporary Overview Of Germany

Explore the structure and functioning of Germany's democratic system in this focused assessment. Delve into Germany as a consolidated democracy, enhancing your understanding of its political dynamics and governance. Ideal for students and enthusiasts of political science.

2. What's your name?

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2. What major event occurred during the years 1914-1918?

The establishment of the League of Nations in 1920

The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941

1914-18 the kaiser invaded Europe (with a plan to after invade U.S.), it took the U.S. and European allies to... 1914-18 the kaiser invaded Europe (with a plan to after invade U.S.), it took the U.S. and European allies to defeat it. Germany surrendered and paid reparations (a lot of money), they had to give back their colonies (in Africa, etc.), had to give back 2 provinces between Germany and France (to France). They also formed a new government.

The signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919

World War I began in 1914 when the kaiser invaded Europe, leading to a global conflict that lasted until 1918. The war involved multiple countries and alliances, eventually leading to the defeat of Germany and major geopolitical changes as outlined in the correct answer.

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3. What factors contributed to Hitler and the Third Reich gaining power?

The Weimar system gave Hitler a platform through which his party gained power. Those who were bankrupt supported him, he... The Weimar system gave Hitler a platform through which his party gained power. Those who were bankrupt supported him, he had charismatic authority. He revived the economy (most powerful in Europe, then and now).Authoritarianism + Racism (racial hierarchy, Aryan race at the top) + Extreme nationalism + Paranoia (blamed Jews for all wrongs). His followers preached social Darwinism, that only the strong should breed.

The Third Reich was built on democratic principles and respect for human rights.

The Nazi regime was known for its tolerance and inclusivity towards all ethnicities and religions.

Hitler's rise to power was solely due to military conquests and military support.

The correct answer highlights the key factors that led to the rise of Hitler and the Third Reich, emphasizing the role of the Weimar system, authoritarianism, racism, extreme nationalism, and social Darwinism. The incorrect answers provide false information that contradicts historical facts about Hitler and the Third Reich.

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4. What is the Left party known for?

The Left party is a far-right party advocating for strict immigration policies and nationalist agendas.

Newest party, made up of those who used to be in SPD and those who supported the old Communist party... Newest party, made up of those who used to be in SPD and those who supported the old Communist party in East Germany, they care about making sure people at the bottom are taken care of (unemployment), oppose budget cuts especially those that affect social welfare programs

The Left party is a center-right party focusing on economic growth and strengthening ties with Western countries.

The Left party is a centrist party promoting free-market capitalism and deregulation.

The Left party in this context refers to a specific political party in Germany. It is important to understand the values and ideologies associated with this party to accurately identify its characteristics.

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5. What is the Bundestag?

A federal agency responsible for environmental protection in Germany

A traditional German folk dance performed during Oktoberfest

An upper house with appointed members who have lifetime terms

(lower house) 672 members who have 4 year terms [similar to House of Commons in Britain, and has power to... (lower house) 672 members who have 4 year terms [similar to House of Commons in Britain, and has power to vote no confidence]

The Bundestag is the lower house of Germany's parliament, consisting of 672 members with 4 year terms. It holds similarities to the House of Commons in Britain and has the power to vote no confidence.

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6. What is the role of the Bundesrat in the German government?

Elected by popular vote to represent the entire German population

Lower house of the German parliament responsible for passing legislation

(upper house) represents different regions, has 69 members selected by regional/state governments, have to have majority vote to pass legislation,... (upper house) represents different regions, has 69 members selected by regional/state governments, have to have majority vote to pass legislation, discuss state and local politics (no foreign policy)

Advisory body that provides recommendations to the Chancellor

The Bundesrat is the upper house of the German parliament and represents different regions. Its members are selected by regional/state governments and legislation requires a majority vote to pass. The Bundesrat discusses state and local politics, but does not handle foreign policy matters.

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7. What is the function of the Federal Constitutional Court in Germany?

Primarily focuses on economic matters and trade disputes between states.

Acts as the highest judicial authority in cases of immigration and asylum law.

Responsible for handling criminal cases at the federal level.

[similar to USSC], considers federal and state laws, interprets the Basic Law (German Constitution), made up of 16 people elected... [similar to USSC], considers federal and state laws, interprets the Basic Law (German Constitution), made up of 16 people elected in equal proportions by the lower and upper house, designed to prevent the rise of authoritarianism

The Federal Constitutional Court in Germany, similar to the United States Supreme Court, plays a significant role in interpreting the Constitution and reviewing laws to prevent authoritarianism. It does not handle criminal cases, economic matters, trade disputes, immigration, or asylum law.

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8. What was the Gastarbeiter program?

A program initiated by Spain to send workers to other European countries

A program designed by Italy to recruit skilled professionals from Germany

A program created by France to train workers from Africa for jobs in Europe

A program instituted by the German government in the early 1960s that brought workers from southern Europe into Germany to... A program instituted by the German government in the early 1960s that brought workers from southern Europe into Germany to address a labor shortage

The Gastarbeiter program was specifically established by the German government in response to a labor shortage within the country during the early 1960s.

Explanation

The Gastarbeiter program was specifically established by the German government in response to a labor shortage within the country during the early 1960s.

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9. What is a federal state?

A form of government where individual states or provinces have no political autonomy.

Nation-state with subnational units (states of provinces) that have significant independent political powers. A federal system differs from a unitary... Nation-state with subnational units (states of provinces) that have significant independent political powers. A federal system differs from a unitary state that has few autonomous regional political institutions

A system where power is centralized in a single government entity with no regional divisions.

A confederation of independent states with a weak central government.

A federal state is characterized by the distribution of power between a central government and subnational units with significant political autonomy. It is different from other systems such as unitary states, confederations, or centralized government structures.

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10. What is the definition of liberal?

Anarchic, promoting complete lack of governmental structure or regulation.

Classically liberal in the 19th century European sense, favoring free-market solutions to economic problems and extensive personal freedoms for individuals

Conservative in nature, prioritizing traditional values and limited government involvement in individuals' lives.

Politically left-leaning, advocating for government intervention in the economy and social issues.

The correct definition of liberal refers to being classically liberal, favoring free-market solutions and personal freedoms.

Explanation

The correct definition of liberal refers to being classically liberal, favoring free-market solutions and personal freedoms.

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11. What is procedural democracy?

A system of government where decisions are made by a select few individuals.

Formal political institutions without broad public support

A government based on the principles of direct democracy.

A political ideology focused on equal distribution of wealth.

Procedural democracy refers to a system where formal political institutions are in place but lack broad public support, indicating a gap between the government structure and the preferences of the population.

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12. What was the Zolverein?

1834 customs union among various preunification German states. Fostered economic cooperation that led to 19th century German unification

A type of German dessert

A style of German architecture

A medieval battle

The Zolverein was a customs union among different German states that played a pivotal role in the economic cooperation that ultimately led to the unification of Germany in the 19th century.

Explanation

The Zolverein was a customs union among different German states that played a pivotal role in the economic cooperation that ultimately led to the unification of Germany in the 19th century.

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13. What is a social market economy?

A market economy with no government intervention or regulation.

An economic model characterized by high taxes and limited social welfare programs.

Term describing the German economy that combines an efficient competitive economy with generous welfare state benefits for large segments of... Term describing the German economy that combines an efficient competitive economy with generous welfare state benefits for large segments of the population

An economic system where the government controls all aspects of production and distribution.

A social market economy is a specific economic model that is different from fully controlled, free-market, or high-tax systems. It aims to strike a balance between market efficiency and social welfare.

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14. What are works councils?

Charitable organizations that support workers in need

Organizations that focus on workplace safety regulations

Informal groups of employees who organize social events for their company

Legally mandated workplace organizations that provide collective representation for workers with their employers. Separate organization from the trade unions

Works councils are specifically mandated by law to represent workers collectively in their interactions with employers.

Explanation

Works councils are specifically mandated by law to represent workers collectively in their interactions with employers.

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