The Basic Law : Germany

In 1999 the Germans will be able to look back on a half century of experience with their constitution, the Basic Law. Already on the occasion of the Federal Republic’s 40th anniversary in 1989, the Basic Law was acknowledged to be the best and most liberal constitution Germany had ever had. More than any previous German constitution, the Basic Law has been accepted by the people. It created a state and society which so far has been spared any serious constitutional crises. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary celebration, one of the events is to be a international symposium addressing the issues of basic values and aims of the state in Germany and in Europe.

The Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany was adopted in 1949. Its authors intended it as a “temporary” framework for a new democratic system, not as a definitive constitution. The Basic Law called upon the people “to achieve in free self-determination the unity and freedom of Germany”.