In order to understand the drafting of the two constitutions, it is essential to take their historical context into account. The two texts were adopted as part of a political fresh start with a clear will to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. The previous French Republic, as well as the Weimar Republic (1918-33), had notably been paralysed by unstable governments, for the use of proportional representation in the lower house elections had led to an overly fragmented system. A series of safeguards were therefore created in the two new texts so as to ensure durable and effective governments.
Many differences have also stemmed from their respective historical backgrounds however. Contrary to the 1958 French Constitution, the Basic Law involved a radical change of regime from the Third Reich dictatorship (1933-1945) to the Federal Republic of Germany. By naming it Basic Law-Grundgesetz- and not Constitution -Verfassung-, the Länder also stressed the provisional character of a paper
Bibliography: Ardant, P. (2003). Institutions Politiques et Droit Constitutionnel, 15th edition. Paris: Librairie Générale de Droit et de Jurisprudence Carcassonne, G. (2002). The Principles of the French Constitution. http://www.unc.edu/depts/europe/francophone/principles_en.pdf [16 March 2006] Camy, O. (2005). Modifier la Constitution: L 'intervention directe du peuple par la voie du référendum, http://www.droitconstitutionnel.net [21 March 2006] Grewe, C. and Ruiz Fabri, H. (1995). Droits constitutionnels européens. Paris : PUF coll. Droit fondamental Duverger, M. (1980). 'A New Political System Model: Semi-Presidential Government '. European Journal of European Research, vol. 8, pp 165-187 Finer, S.E. (1979). Five Constitutions. Harmondsworth: Penguin Gordeeva, T.(2006). The [German] Constitution. http://www.germanculture.com.ua/library/facts/bl_constitution.htm [15 March 2006] Gallagher, Laver and Mair Representative Government in Modern Europe Lambin, J.M. (1998). Histoire Terminales. Paris: Hachette Education Touret, D. (2006). Le système constitutionnel de la République fédérale d 'Allemagne and Elaboration et Principes Fondamentaux de la Constitution de la Vème République, http://www.chez.com/constit/ [17 March 2006]