German History and Politics Quiz

Otto von Bismarck, a German statesman, unified Germany in 1871 through a series of strategic political maneuvers known as Realpolitik. He skillfully used diplomacy, alliances, and military power to achieve this goal.

The Junkers were a powerful group of Prussian aristocratic landowners. They held significant wealth and political influence, often advocating for conservative policies.

The term 'Marriage of Iron and Rye' describes the alliance between industrialists ('Iron') and the Junkers ('Rye') after German unification. The alliance was crucial for Germany's industrialization and its political landscape.

The period from 1871 to 1918, when Germany was a unified empire under Kaiser Wilhelm I, is referred to as the Second Reich. This era was marked by rapid industrialization and imperial expansion.

The Weimar Republic, Germany's first democratic republic after World War I, is remembered for its economic struggles. It faced hyperinflation and political instability, leading to the rise of Adolf Hitler.

Nazism was the ideology that propelled Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party to power in Germany in the 1930s. It was a far-right, authoritarian, and racist ideology that sought to establish a totalitarian state.

The Third Reich, representing Nazi Germany, ended in 1945 with the defeat of Germany in World War II. This period was characterized by the horrors of the Holocaust and the devastation of war.

The German Democratic Republic (GDR) was the communist state of East Germany that existed from 1949 until its reunification with West Germany in 1990. Often called East Germany, it was a satellite state of the Soviet Union.

A law that requires a party to secure at least 5% of the votes nationwide to gain seats in the Bundestag (German Parliament). This threshold prevents fragmentation and ensures a stable majority.

A voting system that combines elements of direct and proportional representation. Voters cast two votes: one for a specific candidate in their district and another for a political party.

A mechanism that allows the Bundestag to remove the Chancellor from office only if a new chancellor is elected simultaneously. It prevents political instability by ensuring a smooth transition.

Germany's highest court, responsible for ensuring the constitutionality of laws and acts, protecting the Basic Law. It acts as the ultimate guardian of the constitution.

The head of government in Germany, responsible for leading the executive branch and forming a cabinet. The Chancellor is chosen by the Bundestag.

The ceremonial head of state in Germany, with limited political power but plays a symbolic role representing the nation. Elected by the Federal Convention for a five-year term.

Refer to the 16 federal states that make up Germany. Each Land has its own government, parliament, and constitution.

The head of government for each Land (federal state) in Germany. They lead the Land's executive branch and are responsible for applying federal law.

A set of labor market reforms implemented in Germany between 2003 and 2005. The reforms aimed to increase employment by reducing unemployment benefits and making it easier for employers to hire and fire workers.

A system in German law that mandates worker representation on corporate boards. It aims to ensure that workers have a voice in company decisions.