How to Write Better Essays

(c) coalitions – every govt had to be a coalition:

(i) survival depended less on vigorous policies, than on

readiness of coalition members to agree

(ii) average life of a cabinet under Weimar =less 8 mths

(d) rule by second-rate politicians:

(i) rare for govts to be defeated outright

• in most cases reshuffled because ministers of
  one member party disagreed with rest & walked
  out
  (ii) party leaders gen. preferred not to compromise
  themselves by accepting office – unless Chan-
  cellor or key ministries – therefore most port-
  folios taken by second-rate politicians

(e) same politicians remained at centre of politics despite

reshuffles & shifts in public opinion:

(i) had each cabinet change included complete

turnover no minister wld have time to get to

know the job

(ii) regular practice for new Chancellor to persuade

some ministers to stay on – therefore tempted

to appoint technocrats, rather than statesmen

(f ) compromise rather than policies:

(i) difference between cabinets =little

(ii) leadership largely with Centre Party – little precon-

ceived policy, exc. trad. defence of catholic &

federalist interest

(iii) most observers concluded it had little real value to

offer country

(g) Weimar pols =constant change in govts – little change in

policies:

(i) policy = whatever minimum policy members of

coaltn wld accept – therefore unlikely to inspire

loyalty

(ii) real test =Depression – failed – few were prepared

to defend it

Note-taking for Analysis and Structure 99

HTW13 7/26/01 9:06 PM Page 99