Topic 2: Political Institutions in Germany

Lesson 2
Step #3: Application

Strategy: Drawing Conclusions

Activities

Have the students do some research to find out how the German government has changed over time.

When was Germany a monarchy?
What kind of government did Germany have during World War II?
Who was responsible for helping West Germany set up a new government after the war? Why would there be some similarities between the current German Government and those of the Western Powers?
What political practices did West Germany “borrow” from the Western Powers?

Have the students do some online research about the government imposed by the Soviet Union on East Germany after the war.
How was it different from the one established in West Germany?
How well did it serve the people of East Germany?
Have the students draw a conclusion of their own:
Why do you suppose the East Germans were so willing to adopt the political institutions established in West Germany when reunification finally came?

Printable Student View

Check for Understanding

FOCUS QUESTION #2: Have the students review the role of the Federal Chancellor in the German Government.

Have students compare this role to that of the U.S. President.

What are the similarities? What are the differences?
Why is Germany’s system of government referred to as a “chancellorship democracy”?
Is the Chancellor more powerful than the American President?