. The earth and its inhabitants .. . 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 ; 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 H
. The earth and its inhabitants .. . 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 ; 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 ; 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 ne
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade18, booksubjectgeography, bookyear1883
