The German Constitution of 1871 was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on April 22 and entered into force on May 4. She legally consolidated the creation of the German Empire, which included 3 free cities and 22 monarchies. The most important powers were transferred to the Union authorities, however, a certain autonomy was retained by the states. The situation of the allied states was unequal. The greatest privileges were granted to Prussia.
The German Constitution consisted of 14 chapters containing 78 articles. It was developed on the basis of individual provisions and principles of the constitution of 1867.
The head of the empire was the Prussian king. He represented the interests of the state in international relations, led diplomacy, had full military power, commanded the armed forces, had the right to declare war on behalf of the empire, and had a decisive word in resolving legislative disputes. In addition, he appointed the chancellor (head of government) and officials.
Legislative power was vested in parliament. The members of the Bundesrat (upper house) were appointed by the governments of the empire states.
The German constitution endowed the Bundesrat with not only legislative power, but also a significant amount of executive power. The chairman of the upper house was the chancellor, who was appointed by the Prussian king. The competence of the upper house included fiscal affairs, legislation, conclusion of contracts, etc. For the execution of laws, the Chancellor could issue orders, give administrative instructions to departments, and had the right to constitutional and legislative control. The Reichstag (lower house) had little power and could be dissolved by decree of the Bundesrat.
The German constitution contained provisions on the formation of the lower house through direct elections by the population for 3 years. At the same time, deputies did not receive any remuneration for carrying out their activities. They were considered representatives of the people, and they could not be recalled. The laws adopted by the Reichstag must have been approved by the Bundesrat.
The government was headed by the Chancellor, to whom the state sertery, who were his deputies for various departments, was subordinate. The German constitution secured a number of powers for the government. So, it was in charge of the leadership of the armed forces, banking, communications, criminal law, sanitary service, etc. Local governments, for the most part, were engaged in the implementation of imperial laws.
German constitutional law during this period was aimed at solving the most complex tasks facing the empire, with the help of military force. The Basic Law does not contain chapters on the rights and freedoms of citizens. One of the chapters, which is the most extensive, is devoted to “military affairs”. It enshrines a universal military duty, membership of citizens for 7 years in the army, etc.
The unification of Germany has led to significant economic progress. The country has long become one of the most industrialized in the world.