75 Years of the Basic Law: The Constitution of German Democracy and Society

The Basic Law, equivalent to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany, celebrates its 75th anniversary. It is not just a historical document but the very foundation upon which German democracy and society are built. From securing fundamental rights to ensuring political stability, it plays a crucial role in the lives of all Germans.

The original copy of the Basic Law, signed by Konrad Adenauer and 65 members of the Parliamentary Council on May 23, 1949, is carefully preserved in the parliamentary archive of the German Bundestag. This document, bound in goatskin, symbolizes not only Germany's legal statehood but also its post-war history and new beginning. Despite its modest appearance, the Basic Law has served as the stable foundation of the Federal Republic for 75 years.

The importance of the Basic Law is particularly evident in the guaranteed fundamental rights such as freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and freedom of expression. These rights allow citizens to express their opinions freely and participate actively in political and social life. This is a privilege not enjoyed by many people in other parts of the world, where freedom of expression is often suppressed.

Surveys show that a significant majority of Germans rate the Basic Law highly, with many considering it a "good" or "very good" constitution. This underscores how much Germans value their Constitution. Despite this high approval, there are concerns about the stability of democracy in Germany, with many fearing that extreme political forces could pose a threat.

A key element of the Basic Law is the "eternity clause," which protects fundamental principles such as human dignity, democracy, and the rule of law from any amendments, even by a two-thirds majority in parliament. This clause acts as a strong safeguard against potential extremist influences and secures the foundations of German democracy.

Currently, there is an intense discussion in Germany on how to better protect the Federal Constitutional Court from extremist influences. This debate highlights the importance of maintaining the independence and integrity of the highest courts to safeguard the democratic order.

The Basic Law is much more than a legal document. It is the heart of German democracy and the foundation of social life in Germany. Over the past 75 years, it has proven to provide a stable and reliable basis for a free and just society.

Autor: Redaktion
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Donnerstag, 25 Juli 2024