On the Occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Latvian Constitution – a Brief Overview of the Weimarer Reichsverfassung as an “Elder Sister”

Abstract

In 2022, the Constitution of Latvia celebrates its 100th anniversary. With regard to the influence of the development of constitutions in other European states in the first decades of the 20th century, the contribution will provide an overview of the Weimar Imperial Constitution (hereinafter – Weimarer Reichsverfassung, WRV). Despite continuous criticism in the decades following the Second World War, it has had an immense impact and influence on the German Grundgesetz (Basic Law) and, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary in 2019 has gained increased attention. Particularly in troubled times where constitutions are under constrain, a look at Weimar times may indicate risks and challenges of a constitution but also provide inspiration for potential safeguards.

Keywords

• Constitution
• Weimar Republic
• Weimarer Verfassung
• Grundgesetz / Basic Law