Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany

Germanys 1949 constitution, deliberately provisional at birth, became one of the most admired democratic charters.

Overview

Drafted by a Parliamentary Council in 1948 and 1949 under Allied supervision, the Basic Law was intended as a temporary framework pending German reunification, hence its modest title. It responded directly to Weimar failures: a constructive vote of no confidence to stabilize chancellors, a militant democracy that allows banning anti constitutional parties, and a Federal Constitutional Court with strong review powers. Human dignity in Article 1 is inviolable and anchors all rights. After reunification in 1990 it simply continued, its preamble revised. Its stability made it a template for post authoritarian constitutions worldwide.