Germany

An Empire of Europe composed of twenty-six states. The constitution is dated April 16, 1871. It Includes all the German states in “an eternal union,” under. the supervisory power of the King of Prussia as the Deutscher Kaiser (the* German Emperor). The legislative power is vested in two bodies, the bundesrath, or federal council, and the reichstag. The members of the bundesrath are annually appointed by the several states. The members of the reichstag are elected by ballot by universal ty days, or It may be dissolved by the em< peror. In case of dissolution new elections take place within sixty days and the new session must be opened within. ninety days. All imperial laws must receive the votes of the majority of both bodies, and have the assent of the emperor. The bundesrath can declare war, make peace, enter into treaties with foi’eign nations and appoint and receive ambassadors, but if the territory of the empire is attacked, the emperor does not require the consent of the bundesrath to declare war, but can act Independently. In connection with the chancellor the bundesrath also exercises some executive functions, through committees which are substantially boards of administration and consultation. The Code Napol6on was until later years the common law in many parts of Germany, and the Prussian code of Frederick the Great in other parts. In 1850 a new penal code was promulgated; in 18G2 a partial codification was effected; and in 1809 a code of commercial law was enacted which was valid for the North German Confederation. Since 1870 there has been a universal criminal code for the whole empire and a common judicature was established in 1879. For later codes, see Code.