Government and opposition: Kaiser Wilhelm I and government under Bismarck; Reichstag; struggle between autocracy and democracy
Under Kaiser Wilhelm I, Chancellor Bismarck ran Germany with enormous personal power. An elected parliament called the Reichstag existed, but real authority stayed with the Kaiser and Bismarck rather than elected representatives.
Real World
When the Reichstag refused to approve Bismarck's military budget in 1866 (pre-unification) and again challenged spending in the 1880s, Bismarck simply governed without a legally approved budget — demonstrating that in practice the Chancellor could override parliamentary resistance.
Exam Focus
Use the term 'constitutional autocracy' precisely: the constitution created democratic structures but preserved executive dominance — show the gap between theory and practice.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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