German Basic Law: Too Complex After 70 Amendments
The German Basic Law has been amended 70 times in 77 years, growing from 146 to 203 articles. Daphne Weber called for emotional connection to the constitution, but author Jörg Phil Friedrich argues the document has become too complicated. He cites asylum law as an example where bureaucratic complexity undermines the protection of political refugees. The article contends that the Basic Law now reads like a detailed business manual, making it harder to understand than a tax return.
Key facts
- German Basic Law amended 70 times in 77 years
- Articles grew from 146 to 203
- Last article still numbered 146
- Daphne Weber called for enthusiasm for the constitution
- Author Jörg Phil Friedrich criticizes complexity
- Asylum law cited as example of bureaucratic overreach
- Constitution described as harder to understand than tax return
Entities
Locations
- Germany