英文摘要 |
Compared to that of other European democratic countries, the German democratic experience is rather short. Although the 1919 Weimar Constitution is rather democratic due to its referendum and initiative clause, the democratic system in the Weimar Republic is rather unstable. Thus, there are more disadvantages than advantages regarding its direct democracy. Hitler abused the plebiscite to strengthen his position as well as to carry out his expansionistic policies. These plebiscites thus helped lead to Germany's declaration of war and the subsequent heavy damage to the German nation. Due to bitter wartime experiences, most assemblymen of the Parliamentary Council oppose constitutionalizing the nationwide plebiscite and referendum. Only several German Laender have relevant regulations in their constitutions. The major German political parties have different opinions on plebiscite and referendum. CDU/CSU basically opposes this kind of direct democracy due to negative historical expierences. The FDP and SPD are partially against it because they still value the spirit of direct democracy while The Greens and the successor party of the SED-the PDS-are fully in favor. There are several plebiscite proposals by the opposition parties during the cold war era but all have been unsuccesful. The voice in favor of the direct democracy was not loud until German reunification occurred in 1990.Despite the above, the 2/3rds quorum necessary to pass constitution amendments makes it rather impossible to constitutionalize direct democracy in Germany. |