CHAPTER XII. 



GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION. 



Central Authorities. 



HE German Empire, constituted by a decree published in January, 

 1871, at Versailles, forms an " eternal federation for the protection of 

 the federal territory and the cultivation of the welfare of the 

 German people." It consists of four kingdoms, six grand duchies, 

 five duchies, seven principalities, three free cities, and the " Reichs- 

 land " of Alsace-Lorraine, the supreme authority in military and political affairs 

 being exercised by the King of Prussia, of the junior branch of the Hohenzollerns, 

 who bears the title of " German Emperor." More than half the population of 

 Germany owes him a double allegiance in his capacities of King and Emperor. 



The Emperor represents the empire internationally ; he can declare war, if 

 defensive, and make peace ; he appoints and receives ambassadors, and nominates 

 the officials of the empire, foremost amongst whom is the Chancellor. 



The legislative functions of the empire are exercised by a Bundesmth and a 

 Reichstag. The BnndesrUth, or Federal Council, represents the states of the 

 confederation, by whom its 59 members are appointed, while the 397 members of 

 the RAchdag, or Imperial Parliament, are elected by universal suffrage and ballot. 

 The Bimdesrath is presided over by the Chancellor of the empire. It deliberates 

 upon the bills to be submitted to Parliament, and forms seven standing committees 

 — for war, naval affairs, customs and- taxes, commerce, railroads, postal and 

 telegraphic afïliirs, and administration of justice. No changes can be made in the 

 constitution of the empire if vetoed by 14 members of the Bundesmth. 



The Reichstag appoints its President and other officers. Its members receive no 

 salaries. The Emperor has the right to prorogue and dissolve the Reichstag, but 

 the prorogation must not exceed sixty days ; while in case of dissolution new 

 elections have to take place within sixty days, and a new session has to open 

 within ninety. All laws must be voted by an absolute majority of the Bundesrath 

 and Reichstag, and to take effect they must receive the assent of the Emperor, and 

 be countersigned, when promulgated, by the Chancellor. 



The commercial union of Germany was effected, long before the constitution of 



