Gauging West German susceptability to authoritarianism

Gauging West Geman
Susceptability to
Author itarianisn
Report No. 230
April 16, 1956
RESEARCH STAFF
OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIR!
AMERICAN EMBA:
.UNCLASSIFIED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
INTRODUCTION
i
ii
SUMMARY
I.
In The Light of The Past
1-5
II.
Examining the Present
6-23
III.
Possible Danger
2^^-29
30-57
APPEiroiX
.^^ASSIPJBD
v2:
"""***«*
-~-—
INTRODUCTIO N —UNOASSMED
Considerable
tixie
had elapsed eiace the last tine
a
reading
\tos
taken
on West Genaan receptivity towards Nazi and authoritarion*type thinking.
In
view of the nany ucvelcpments of che last three years it was deened advisable
to check once nore en the acceptability of Nazi and Neo-Nazi philosophies.
Should such tendencies be present to
a
strong or increasing degree in the
present-day eovereign Fedeial Republic of Gerriany serious consequences night
well ensue for Western and particularly American policies vis-a-vis Germany.
Questions and serious doubts concerning the democratization of Germany have been
and still plague
riiany
in the Western camp.
It behooves us, therefore, to
clvays be prepared to ansA/er the question of "whither GenuanyV"
The findings herein reported were derived fron an 1816 case representative probability
sai.iple
in West Gonuany of those 18 years of age and older.
Interviewing was conducted between March I8 and 29, I956 by DIVO
fuer Markt- und Mcinungsforschung n.b.H.
,
Frankfurt/Main,
a
organization working under contract with the Research Staff.
xjna.
-
Gesellschaft
German survey
SUMMARY
In the tlree years since the lost public opinion survey on the subject
was rmde^ the denocracic philosophy seons to have -aode significant gains anong
the West Gciuon pcpulation.
welcome the cLieigcnce cf
a
Whereas in Decenber 1952, four out of ten would
party with "only the good sides of National Socialisn"
or Kould approve of having only a single strong national party which would
represent all the people, the present survey reveals that such support has
decreased to about one-quarter cf the population.
Ans^jers tc other, newer questions also bring out encoiiraging cttitulee.
Majorities of the West Gertian population feel that (l) The opinion of the
Bundestag, as the elected representative of the people, should prevail over
that of the Chancellor should there be a serious difference of opinion
(2)
A
Bundestag delegate shculci be nore responsible to his voters than to the party
which put
hiri
up for office, and (3) A strong opposition is necessaiT for ::heir
fora of gcverniient.
While these attitudes are in the "right" direction, there
is still considevablc lOon for iuprovenent.
Sizeable rainorities
,
ranging fron
to kSio, uhile not opposed, remain to be convinced of the value of the nore
l;5^o
dcnocratic concept.
Pcssinists might make much over these figures on the
ground that if slight nojorities can only be recorded in tines of peak prosperity, one
as
a
nigl'it
doubt -\;hethcr these oajorities could \7ithstand adversities such
depression, or war.
Gemons thenselvee are not particularly
Be that as it -loy, the West
alarmed about their present si:uotion or developnents
.
Snail groups, about
two out of t^n, see any threats to political and social frcedon of the indivi-
dual fron unions, the nilitary, or any of the political parties; or feel that
eone leading public figure is possibly too autocratic or authoritarian.
-
ii -
UNGLASSIFIBD
I
.
In the Light of the Past
LESS THAN A QU/vETER NOW FAVOR A "GOOD" NAZI -TYPE PARTY...
VThercas in Docenib^r 1952 four out of ten W^^st Gercans said that they
would like tc sec a party established "vhich only had the good sides of National Socielisn"^ less
"chcn ^ne
quarter of the population (23^) are of that opinion
today.
The difference bet-ween the
kOfi
(found in 1952) and the present 23^ io
net reflected in incrocsoo. opposition to such
those
{khio
\;hc \jou1c
not
now as against
lik..
c
party, since the percentage of
to see this happen is the sane now as it was in 1952
^3^3 c:;rlicr).
Apparently these who formerly approved of
the idea but nc longer do so now are uncertain whether they approve or not;
that is, the percentage with no opinion has gone up fron 17^ to 33^.
you like to see a party established which only
had the good sides of National Socialisn, or would you
not like to see that happen?"
'vvould
West Germany
March 1956
Dec. 1952
(1196)
Yes, would like to see it happen
Ho, would not like to sec it happen
No cpinior.
-
1 -
UKaASSMH)
kCf^
kS
(1816)
23^
kk
17
33
100^
100^
HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING WiIN RE/xSON ADVANCED BY THOSE IN FAVOR
By and large eccnonic consideiotions were brought up os reasons why
party with the good sides of Notional Socialisn would be desirable
j
o
with a
higher standard of living as the reason nost often given.
"Would you like to sec a party established which only
hod the good sides of Notional Socialisn, or would
you not like to see that happen?"
Why would you like to see it happen?
Gemany
\lest
Our ctandard of living would rise:
7^
"Because eccnonic conditions were favorable during
After all, everybody was doing fine."
the Nazi regiiic
"Only this ill-starred war brought disgrace to the Nazi
party. The vjorking population was nuch better off
during the Nazi era than they are today. Much nore was
Cone to pronote their welfare at that tine."
"During those years the general population was doing
all right. Only the persecution of tha Jews and several
other things were wrong."
"I worked as a mason at that tinCj and I was better
off as taxes weren't so heavy."
"Because the National Socialists looked after the
workers and the nicdle classes better."
.
Ue would benefit froa the good sides also today
;
6
"We can use the positive features to inprove things,
while we will turn our bocks fimly on the negative
sides."
"The good sides of National Socialism would benefit
us all."
"There was a lot about National Sociolisra that was
positive although nowadays people flatly deny it."
"Because the positive ideas have turned out well."
The social welfare progxan was better then:
"A conparatively extensive social progran was carried
out ot that tir.ie. More should be done for the
younger generation, for instance. Large fauilies
aren't welcome today, they hove a hard tine finding
a suitable hone, that's one of the problens they face."
"They bettered the lot of the workers, for instance,
by setting up the 'Strength through Joy' organization,
and by launching a great nany other social welfare
projects ."
"If such a party would be established, the aged would
be better looked after."
"Social services were more satisfactory at that tine."
(Cont'd on next page)
k
jg Assiroa)
(Cont'd fron preceding page)
West Gcmany
Order and discipline ^ould be guaranLeed:
2$
"At that tine conditions vere uore orderly. People
resptrcted each other.
There 'i;ercn't so nony loafers
living at the expe-nse of those who work as there ore
todcy."
"They should reintioduce labor service. Then the young
•'jould learn sone discipline once noi;e."
"Sone things would improve, I'n sure. Above all, the
younger generation '..'ould be taken off the streets.
Today the juvenilj, delinquency rate is high."
One strong party would serve to consolidate the
state;
2
"The Gemians need to be ruled by a strong hand,
othenjise they'll fritter away their energies."
"Because then one knows where one stands.
If there
is only one party, there won't be sc nany conflicting
views ."
"If there is only one party^ there will be no quarrelling,
but if there are several, each of then will try to becone
stronger than the rest.'"
Unonploynent \;Guld be eliminated;
"At that tine things were different.
1
There was no
.
unonploynent
"During the Nazi regiiae an unenploynent problen
sinply didn't exist."
''Then no worker would be jobless anjTiore."
Prices would be stabilized:
1
"All this trouble with rising prices would stop.
During the Nazi regine prices renained stoblc."
"'i/hile the Nazi Reich lasted there was at least no
rise in prices .''
"Rules would be laid down to which everybody would
have to confcm.
In the econoaic sector, I neon,
there would be a price control."
Other answers:
"Denocracy just isn't congenial to us. In the past
we had a dictatorship and it was called that. Today
our fon:: of goverixient is called a deuccracy, while
in the final analysis the Chancellor rules the country
like a dictator."
"I -;ould Ajelcone every political party \?hich had
good sides only."
"The construction cf super-highways, for instance,
^,.as undoubtedly a good thing.
It's a greater
achieveuent than what's done in the way of road
construction today."
No opinion/ No answer:
Sone respondents gave nore than one answer.
tjncxaWmed
INCJLASSte^
APPROVAL OF IDEA OF SINGLE PARTY FOR ALL
DISAPPROVAL UP TO ADIOST HALF
The last
tmc
TO ONE QUi\RTER,
D0V7N
the question of having o single strong party to represent
all classes of the population vas put before the West Gemans, there vere nore
people vho approved the idea than disapproved.
considerable shift in opinion.
while almost one out of two
Since then there has been a
Only one quarter (25^) now approve of the ideo
{k'J'fa)
disap-^roves
.
Thus the results on this question
are even aore heartening than that cited above frou the denocratic point of
view
so::.e views that are often expressed by people.
Would you tell ne whether you approve or disapprove of
the following view?" (C/JID)
'Here are
West Geniiany
March 1956
Dec. 1952
(1196)
(1816)
should again have a single strong
national party which really represents
the interests of all classes of our
people
V7c
Approve
Disapprove
Undecided
-
k
-
hki>
23i>
37
19
kj
28
100^
100^
RiJORITY TURNS DOv/N "A IL'.TION/.L
FOR THE V/ELF/vRE OF ALL"
LEi'.DER ViHO
RULES
GERMz'JJY VIITH
The two questions taken up so far weie oskcd
sotic
A STROWG a\ND
tine ago, and arc,
thorofore. of particular interest in that ccnparisons A^ith past results are
There purpose, of course, was to furnish indications of the current
possible.
or susceptibility to sov.e of the basic philosophy.
standing of Nazisn,
As
a
further step in this saue direction, the following question
used to see if there
'..'ould
;;as
be riore or less acceptance of a national leader
(Fuhrei-prinzip) as coupared with acceptance of a single national party (the
previous question), one acceptance of a new National Socialist party (the first
question cited in this section).
There was even ncre rejection of the national
leader (55^ disapproved) than there was of the single strong national party
{h'Cfi
disapproved.)
Acceptance was also less than fcr the ether (that is, only
1&^ approved of having a national leader while
255^
approved of having
a
single
strong national party)
While those interested in the encrgence of a deaocratic Gcmany nay
feel heartened by this nojcrity rejection of
a
ne'.?
Fuehrer for Gernany; they
should take careful note of the foct that ^5^ did not disapprove of this preposition (l6^ approved oud 29^ said thct they were undecided).
"Do you approve or disapprove cf this viewr'" (C/JRD)
West
Gcj-T-iany
We should again have, as before, a national
leader who rules Gcinsay with a strong hand
for the welfare of all.
Appi ove
Disapprove
l6ff>
55
Undecided
29
100^
-
-
5..-.,,-..^
UKaASSIFTO
II.
Examning the Present
MORE TH/VN A THIRD FEEL THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THE WISHES OF THE POPUKiTION
TOO LITTLE
Only three out of ttn (31^) believe that the present government
sufficiently ccnsidCxS the
business.
-v/ishes
of the gonei-ol population in conducting its
The largest percentage^ over
thought that it did not
cc
a
third of the general population
(37?^).
nsidcr their wishes enough; while hardly anyone (2^)
thought that the governnent considered popular desires "too nuch"
"Do you believe that our present governr.ient considers
the \jishes of the general population toe nuch, too
little, or in the right onount in its actions?"
—
West Gemany
Too much
Too little
In the right ancunt
Partly/partly
No opinion
(i8i6)
2$
37
31
30
100^
tTNaASSIETBD
TTM(7.
SOCL'it WELF/Jffi PROBLEMS LE^iDING CAUSE FOR DISSATISFACTION
That group which believed that the govcrnnent considered the
-vjishes
of the general population "too little" were asked tQ explain what they had in
nind.
Fron their answers (given below) it can be seen that their nain reason
was the goveranent's failure, in their opinion, to sclvo the social welfare
problens such as pensions for old age and
.far
disabilities.
"Do you believe that our present governnent considers
the wishes of the genojrol population too nuch, too
little, or in the right ancunt in its actions?"
IF "Too little";
"l-niy do you think so?"
West Gcrciany
The social welfare problc-ns have not been solved
aatisfactorily;
11^
"The social welfare sector is neglected."
"Because Finance Minister Schaeffer is so stingy,
he hasn't done anything for the prisoners of war
who returned only recently."
"The aged and the war victins cannot make ends ncet
on the pensions they get. Nobody could live en
such a pittance."
"We lost our belongings t-.iice after air raids, but
so far we haven't been reccnpensed for our losses."
"The governrient's perfortiancc in the field of social
welfare leaves nuch to be desired."
The governnent acts in
a
high-handed rianner:
6
"It's always the saa-ie Tliey keep telling us that we
have a say in natters, -jhile actually they do just
what they please."
"Adenauer gradually becont-s too dictatorial."
"As things are at present^ the governnent officials
ai^en't guided by public opinion, but act according
to their oito discretion."
"The Bundestag, which is the elected representative
of the people, after all, is consulted too rarely."
"They talk a lot and blithely prmise whatever
people nay ask, but they don't stick to i:."
.
The governnent does not do enough to keep living
costs down:
"Public opinion isn't sufficiently considered in the
shaping of price policy."
"Food prices should renain stable. The goveriraent should
attend to that.''
"If they'd ccnply with the \jishes of the people,
they'd conbat the trend towards rising prices."
"The governnent doesn't do anything about the rising
p_ices ."
(Cont'd- on next page}_
"
UNCLASSIFIED
(Cont'd fion pxeccding page)
West
The renilltarizatlrn laws were passed against the
wishes of the niajority cf the people:
Gerr.iany
^i>
"Because conscription has-been reintroduced, although
nost people are opposed to ic."
"Just take universal nilitary service, the larger part
of the nation would have opposed it, if they had been
asked."
"Because they gc right ahead with their plans to set up
an an;.y, although the riajfrity of the people frowns en
this deve Icpnent
"By and large, people are against conpulsory nilitaiy
services ."
.
Because the govermuent denands excessive taxes:
3
small people have an awfully hard tiue because of
exorbitant taxes."
"Nobody tries to better cur lot. We only have to pay
taxes, that's all."
''Taxes are uuch too heavy, thcugh the coffers of the
gcvernrient are full."
"VJe
thc^se
Too little
is
done for the workers:
3
"As a neriber of the working classes, I feel the gcvernnent caies little how we fare."
"Capita lisra reigns in our ccuntry. The government takes
little interest in the lot of the working classes."
"Nothing is done for the advancement cf the workers."
Too little
is
dene for the niddle classes:
2
"They do not ao encugh tc> prcnote the interest of the
niddle classes."
"The niddle classes get too little attention."
Toe little is done for the
farr.:ers:
1
"They neglect helping the famers."
"Because agricultural affairs are being neglected.
While prices fcr fana products are fixed, prices for
the consuner goods which the farxiers need fluctuate
occcrding to prc'duction costs."
Not encugh is done
tc^
achieve reunification:
"The gcverninent does toe little to reunite the
East Zcne with cui ccuntry."
"The public is in favor of pressing the reunification
(Cont'd on next page)
UNa ASSIFrf
1
CNCLASSIFIia>
(Ccnt'd frcn pieceding pagt)
West Geraany
Excesgivfcf funds ore
given tc the refugees:
"It seens to ne that cnly the refugees get financial
support, they can buy everything they desire."
"Although money is scarce everywhere, the refugees get
preferential treatnent, and the old residents have to
take the backseat."
Other answers;
6
"The public as a whcle is not satisfied with the
i-jay
gcvernriental affairs oie conducted."
"Foreign policy is oriented toe strongly toward the
West."
"Church and state are one. I do not like this."
"There are tco nany political parties vith conflicting
views ."
No opinion/No answer:
1
Soue respondents gave :..ore than one onsyer.
Less than one half of one percent.
S^!2^miy-
GEIW.NS REJECT A MTIONAL
v;hen
LE/^.DER
WHO RULES WITH k STRONG HAND
asked to choose between three alternatives vhat Gen^iony needs nost
in its present pclitical situation, only one person in twenty (6^) selected the
alternative "A national leader vhc rules
v;as
v;ith a
strong hand."
Far nore appealing
the second prssibility vhich called for a snait tian able to negotiate cce-
pronises between the govemuent and the Bundestag
{hoio)
.
A surprisingly large
pioportion, ovci one quarter of the population (26^), would prefer
a
strong
Bundestag as the responsible representative of the people.
you believe Genuany needs nost in its present
political situation?" (CARD)
'What dc
West Gemany
A
iictirinal
loader who rules with
a
strcng
ha nd
A snort ixin with the ability to effect corpronises who can negotiate in the porlianent between the governriont and the Bundestag
for the welfare of the people
A Bundestag equipped with great authority which
as the responsible represt,'ntative of the people
deter/r.ines the policies of the gcvernnent and
critically judges governmental actirns
No opinion
6^
kO
26
28
100^
-
10
-
UNCLASSIFIED
M/iJORITY WOULD SIDE V7ITH THE BUNDESTAG OVER THE CHANCELLOR SHOULD THE
TI\'0
CONFLICT
On the aesuxipticn that support for the Bundestag, as the elected
representative of the people, rather than for the Chancellor, as the head of the
governnent, reflects
a
greater leaning towards deuocratic values, the lesponses
to this question are encouraging.
a
A najcrity (52^) said that in the event of
difference of opinion bet-ween the two on an iiupcrtant political question the
Bundestag's opinion shculd be decisive.
would support the Chancellor.
Hardly ncre than one out of ten (12^)
Such results are notewortly in view of the high
regard with which the great Dajority of the West Grnans held Chancellor
Adenauer
"Suppose there were a difference of opinion between the
Bundestag, as the elected representative of the pec^ple,
and the Chancellor, as head of the governnent, on inpoa-tant
political questions, whcse opinion should then be decisive
that c.f the Bundestag or that of the Chancellor?"
West Germany
That of the Bundestag
That of the Chancellcr
Paitly/partly
No opinion
52^
12
1
35
100^
-
11
-
-
THOSE SUPPORTING THE BUNDESTA6*f*ffil5lS53&' DEMOCRATIC ROLE
The lending reasons given by those who feel that the opinion of the
Bundes -og should prevail ever that
c^f
the Chancellor in the advent of a conflict
are:
"The Bundestag represents the people" "Wiser decisions will "be reached if a nunber
_
_
C'f perscns are consulted" "In
denccracy parancui-it power nust not
reside with an individual"
"Majority decisions should be the lule" - -
-----
All of these reasons are actually vaiiations on the
conposed of elected representatives
c.t
therac
-
17^
_
^U^
-
n^
-
8^
that the Bundestag,
the people^ is a ncre denocratic oigan
than the single figure cf the Chancellf^r.
Suppose there were a difference of opinion between the
Bunds stig, OS the elected representative of the pec-ple,
and the Chancellr^r, as head of the government, 011 ioportant pc.litical questions, whose opinion should then
be decisive - that ot the Bundestag or that of the
Chancellcr?"
IF "That ^f the Bundestag''
are yru if this opinion?
:
'i7hy
^
West Gernar
Because the Bundestag represents the per pie and thus
is respcnsible for leaking final decisions:
17^
elected the Bundestag delegates so that they will
attend lc c^ur interests, after all."
"It's the tas},; cf the Bundestag tc express the r.pinicn
cf the people
"It's the voice of the per pie, sr tc^ speak."
"The parliament is the repiesentative of the people,
while the Chancellcr was entrusted with his nission
only by the Bundes toe."
"We've elected the Bundestag c'elegates, but we didn't give
our vote to the Chancellor personally."
"u'e
.
V/iscr decisions will be reached if a nur.iber of perscns
are consulted:
ik
"An individual nay err, but if a great ixinj'- pec'ple are
agreed on a natter^ the chonces rf choosing the right
ccurse are bettei.''
"In the Bundestag r.iany pecple vi. ice their C'pinions and
therefore, a nistakc wcn't be nade so easily as if an
individual i^iakes a I'cnentous decisic-n all alone."
"One nan nay err, './hile nany pcrsc.ns ',;ill net make a
i.iistoke sc easily."
''A greater nunber C'f people neans a pooling cf brains, and
therefore the Bundestag will show greater wisdcn than the
Chancellor alone."
"It's likely that a nunber cf responsible persc-ns i-ill
exercise greater prudence than ne nan will dc
and thus
there is a better guarantee that the will cf the people
v?ill be executed."
(Cc'nt'd en next page)
^
c
,
-
12
-
(Ccnt'd fron preceding page)
-,
West Gcmsny
Because in. a denccracy poroi-iount power
uith an individual:
r.iugt
not rest
11^
"In a denocracy, the pec'ple are tc decide.
If they are
not heard, we'll seen have oncther dictatf rehip."
adopted a denccratic systen of governr.ient, and, therefore,
the people should have a voice on inportant decisio^ns."
"Because one perscn nust not be alloved to make nojor
decisions all alone ^ otherwise another Fuehrer will energe
before long."
"If the Chancellor had the whole respcneibility, this aight
easily lead to his employing dictatorial neasures."
"\Ic
Because najority decision should! be the rule:
8
"The will of the najcrity nust be carried cut."
"The Chancellor should bow to the riajority."
"The Bundestag has nore voices."
"A resf:lution cf the najority is needed when an
iiipoitant natter is at stake."
Because the Chancellor is incapable cf deciding
ii-ipcrtant issues judiciously
:
1
"I d( not have any confidence in the Chancellcr."
"The Chancellor wcn't consider cur welfare, that's
why."
Other answers:
2
"The political parties settle inpc'rtant issues aricng
themselves anyway."
"Because in that way quarrelling will be avrlded.''
No opinlon/Nc answer;
1
5^
@
Sone respo.ndents gave nore than one answer.
-
13
ISB^^^siFm)
THOSE SUPPORTING THE CH.\NCELLOR EMPHASIZE HIS OUTSTANDING ABILITY
Half of
bhciSQ
whc would support the Chancellor as against the Bundestag
voTo there a serious difference of opinion between theu^ support their stand
with reasons that the Chancellor
ha.s
shown hinself to be an exceptional statesiiian.
"Suppose there were a difference of opinion between the
Bundestag; as the elected representative of the people,
and the Chancellor^ as head of the governnent, on
inpcrtant pc>litical questic^ns^ whose opinion should
then be decisive - that of the Bundestag or that of the
Chancellor?"
IF "That of the Chancellor";
"Why are you of this opinion?"
West Gemany
Because Chancellor Adenauer has proved to be a
capable statesrian:
6^
"The Chancellor has steered us nost capably out of
the chaC'S our countiy was in back in 19^5-^9-"
"Up to the presentj all decisions the Chancellor has
riade have turned out tc be to the advantage of the
people."
"I consider hin to be a nan whc is strong and clever
enough to choose the righc course foi his country
all alone."
"Because ny confidence in hin is unshakable."
The Chancellor is responsible for rxiking political
dccisicns:
3
"As the head of state, his opinion should prevail."
''Because the final decision in a roatter nust rest with
the Chancellor."
"Because he is responsible for conducting gcvernnental
affairs."
Discretional power nust rest with one person:
2
"It's better if one perso-n takes the lead."
"Too nany opinicns are expressed in the Bundestag."
"Because 500 delegates foir.. too large a body to nake
decisions ."
Other answers:
1
"Bv-cause if the Bundestag were to decide, a conprouise
wculd be the result in nest cases, and that w( uld be
nc- good to anybody.''
"Because ho belongs tc the sar.e denonination we dr^."
Nc:
opinion/Nc' answer:
@
Sone respondents gave raore than
1
c.ne
answer.
VA^V/LiAOOiT IXOJ
BUNDESTAG DELEGATE SHOULD FEEL MORE RESPONSIBILITy TO HIS
VOTERS TH/.N TO HIS Pi\ETY
Mi'iJORITY SAYS
In the cpinicn of thi ncjority (56^)
nore responsible to his voters than
tc
a
Bundestag delegate should feel
his party, while hardly anyone (2^)
should feel nore responsible to his party.
thirJcs he
Bundestag delegate feel nore
^jhor.-: shculd the
responsible - tc. his party because it put hin up
as a candidate, or to his voters because they
trusted hin as their representative?"
"Tc
West Gernauy
Tc his party
2ff>
Tc his voters
Tc both equally
Nc opinion
5^
20
22
1009?
RE-iSONS V/HY A DELEG/'iTE SHOULD FEEL MORE RESPONSIBLE TO HIS VOTERS
The great nojcrity of the reasons given why
feel uore responsible
tc-
a
Bundestag delegate should
his vcters than to his party centei around the idea
that they (the vc>:ers) vere af Ler all the people who elected hin, he owes his
job to then, and hence the delegates nust attend to the interests cf the voters.
V/hile such
reascning night
electcrate vctes
bs--
-well
be expected in the United States i;here the
nane, it is nest interesting tc find in West Gerr.iany vrhere
about 60^ cf the Bundestag delegates find their way there as the result cf
being on
a
party list for which the electcrate vcted.
-
15
-
UNaASSIFIED
"To v;hon should the Bundestag delegate feel nore
rcspcnsibl^ - tc. his party because it put hin up
as a candidate, or to his vc ters because they
trusted hin as their representative?"
IF "To his voters":
dt yc'U think so?"
"Why
West Gemany
The voters put their trust in their delegate and
e::pect hin to attend to their interests:
2ki>
the use of electing a candidate if he isn't
billing tC' represent our views, I ask you."
"Because we elected hixi trusting he would act foi
us in whatever oatter night cone up."
"We elect a delegate e::pecting that he will voice
our opinions
I
"Tha.t's why a delegate is sent to parlianent.
ncan, it's his job to represent the voters."
trusted
and
they
the
delegate
suppoited
voters
"The
hin, sc: now, he in his turn, oust represent the
voters
"The delegate enjoys the confidence of the vctershe nust not betray it."
"It's his duty to act f c r the voters as they
placed their ccnfidence in hin."
"Ifliat's
.
.
The delegate owes his pcsition to the voters:
19
"If the voters hadn't decided in his favcr, he wc-uld
never have beccne a delegate in the first place."
"We nade hin a nenber of parlianent, after all, and
therefore, he shc.uld conply with r^ur wishes."
"He is under an obligation tr then. They've given hin
their nandate,"
"The delegates represent the pecple, and therefore, they
a.re responsible to then."
He is
"He nust answer foi his acts to the vcters.
under an obligatic^n to then."
It is the prir.iary duty of the delegates to prooole the
welfare of the people at large:
"A delegate is supposed tc- act for the benefit of the voters,
and not to aid his party."
"It's not his job tc pronote political-party interests, but
to do all h>- can for his vr-ters."
"It's the foienost duty of a delegate to attend to the
interests of the voters."
.
(Cont'd on next page)
3
UNaASSIFM)
(Ccnt'd fron preceding pnge)
The iiajority of the voters dc not
political porty
1361011:;
to
a
;
-Jouldi':'t be ri::ht if he'd feel uorc responsible to
a pcliticol party, for the ncu-politicel voters out-
"It
iitD-ibcr the porty ncabers."
"The voters who back no pcrticulcr pcrty rz'kc ui the
tiajority of the people."
"The delccatc vas elected b^ the rx'ss cf voters vho
do uot have political affiliations."
interests of political parties and of the people
do not al'i/rys coincide:
Tlio
"It night be tliat the vievs of politicians serve their
pcrty veil, but uiciit not be to the benefit cf the
jicople."
"Pcrty interests and the interests of the people aren't
al\fays identical."
"The tenets of a part- represent the vie^.-s cf a faction,
'..'hile the voters represent public opinion."
Voters cast their vote for
a pcrty
a
personalty and not for
;
"The voters have c'iven their vote to hiiu and not to the
party."
"People vest their confidence in a CjslccptQ, not in a
political party."
"Attention should be centered on the individual delec;ate,
and. not on a part;, ."
Because only thug
stiff icient
frecdcn of action is
f:rrranteed to the delegate
"If he felt responsible to the party only, he'd be just c
tool in tlie hands of the party bosses."
"The delecate nust not be pledged to adhering closely to
the party line."
Other answers
;
,
"Because otheri.'ise
vc 'jould let the party naiiocers
becoije overpo'-erful,"
"The i-'ishes of the people count, and not T'hat those
party people ucnt."
"I liave no sjT.ipathy for any of the political parties
Tlie voters are ccod enough to C-C "tc the polls, but
aften/ards their criticisus aren't velcone."
,
Ho opinion/lTo ansver;
59^.'J
C
Scoe respondents
:;ave iiore
than one answer.
'MrSSIFTED'
Tffl
EfilSONS
WHY A DELEG/iTE SHOULD FEEL
i'iORS
RESPONSIBLE TO HIS PARTY....
Since there vere so fev people
(2^j)
'..'ho
inclicated that a delegate should
be nore responsible to his party the reasons advanced hy these individvials can
only be listed but not classified.
"To -(Jhori should the Bundestac delerjcte feel uore
responsible - to hie party because it put hin up
as a candidate, or to his voters because they
trusted hiti as their representative?"
IF "To his party"
do you thinlc sor"
"l.Tiy
"Boca.use the party got hiia his seat in parliauent"
party helped hira to becane a nenber of parlianent.
He nustn't forget that."
"Because the party included his naae on the slate, but
he oustn't forget his voters, either."
"If the party hadn't put hiii on the ticket, he couldn't
have been elected."
"The individual voter costs his vote for a party and
not for a candidate. That's \rhy the delegate nustn't
bolt."
"He represents the \;hole party and not the individval
voter."
"'.,'c
only knov the party platforu and the individual
delegate has to stick to it nore or less."
"The voters elect the delegate as the exponent of a
"Tlie
particular party pro^ran."
"He beloncs to a political party and is pledged to
furthcrinc its cause."
"Every party nust try to realize its ideas."
"He pledged his evxpport to his party and novj he
nust stand up for it."
"A party is a unity and there nust be one voice to
speak T.'ith authority'."
"Because he is under obligation to his party,"
"It's his duty to pronote the interests of his party.
The corinon cause takes precedence over the intei-ests
of the individual."
"It's because he holds nenbership in a particular party,
for the voters cast their vote for a delegate vho stands
for a political party."
If I vote for
"The voters do not laiou iihzt they i/ant.
a delegate vho represents a political party, it's obvious
directives."
uith
party
in
accordance
that he vill act
Total
-
>^tiJi»^
18
-
I.'est
Genmny
-
-
-
2f,o
;;
STRONG OPPOSITION IS CONSIDERED NSCESa.RY BY A
ii'iJORITY
OF VJEST
GERii'vHS.
. .
Another hopeful sign on the horizon of the Gernan political scene is
the finding that
a
raojority (55^) consic'er a strong cppoeition "aonevhat" or
"very" necessary' tc their fern of governnent, whereas less than
say that it is "not so necessary" or
True; as
v/as
''not
pointed out in another connection, the pictui-e is not
entirely a favorable one since it can be aigued that
do not see the necessity of having
clenocratic state.
tenth (7^)
a
at all necessary".
Tlie k^io
a
sizeable ninority
{k5i>)
strong opposition in their (presunably)
a
of course comprises the 7^
'^^ho
were negative and
the 38^ vho had no opinion on this question.
"How necessary co you consider a strong opposition
in cur fom of governnent - that is political
parties vhich do not form part of the govemrient?"
,
West Gcmany
necessary
Somewhat necessary
Not so necessary
Net at all necessary
No opinion
Verj'^
33^
22
^
)
53i
N
7
/iND
AS
3
38
loo^
VALUE IN STRONG OPPOSITION SEEN IN PREVENTION OF DICTATORSHIP,
AID IN SH/\PING CONSTRUCTIVE POLICIES
The two leading reasons advancec? by these who feel that
opposition is necessary for the
Geman fom
a
strong
of governnent emphasized its value
as a deterent foi dictatorship (20^) and its usefulness in shaping constructive
policies (16^).
-
19
-
UNaASSlITr^
-,'3IFS3>
necessary do you consider a strong opposition
fcrr.i of government - that is, political parties
which do not forn part of the gcvernnent.?"
"Ho^'j
in our
IF "Very necessary" or "Sonewhat necessary":
do you consider a strong opposition to he (very)
(sonewhat) necessaxy?"
"\Jhy
V7est
Because without an rpposition, the government night
hecone a dictatorship:
Germany
20^
"A state in \;hich no opposition exists, is a totalitarian regine to all intents and purposes, for then
the people at the tcp can (?o what they please with
nobody to stop then."
"It's the opp-ositcn's task to criticize the government
party, so that they cannot erect a dictatorship,"
"If there were only one party, the guys in charge
would soon become overbearing."
"The opposition prevents the ruling pa\ty from
becoming too powerful."
"We do not wane a system like that in the East where
the government does just what it pleases."
"If there were no opposition, the government woulc' be
free to enforce any policy, even if the people should be
opposed to it."
Because an opposition aias in shaping constructive
policies
"From the interplay of government party and opposition
the right policy emei'ges
"By discussing the pros and cons of a r:iatter, the best
possible result will be achieved."
"One can learn from discussions^ for one must also
consider the opinion of the other party."
"Partiality on the part of the government should be
avoided, and such a trend nay easily develop if there
is no opposition."
If
"A strong opposition acts as a counterbalance.
ic makes constructive proposals, it will help to
promote the welfare of the people."
.
(Cont'd on next page)
-
20
-
1°
.ASSIFIEP
(Cont'd fron preceding page)
West Germany
Because the opposition must scrutinize the actions of
the governnent and check abusee
11?^
"The opposition plays the role of the police within the
state, so tc speak."
"It's the job of the opposition to expose abuses."
"There sinply oust be an opposition, for; as everybody
knows, it's the opposition which points out nistakes
and forces the governnent to consider its actions
caiefully."
"It's the task of the opposition to point to nistakes
whicih inevitably will be nade and to see to it that sonethSng is done about it."
"Oppcsition neans criticisn, and criticism is always
a good thing.
The opposition warns and advises."
Because an opposition must exist in a denocracy;
U
"One cannot govern a coiintry denocratically without
an op- osition."
"An opposition is indispensable in a dei-ioci-acy.
If
there isn't any such body, it's no true democracy; to
bo sure."
"I consider the interplay between government party and
opposition to be one of the pillais cf a true democracy,
just the way things are in England."
Because an opposition represents certain segments of the
people
2
"The opposition also represents the will of a segment of
the people, and their voice must not be silenced."
"The opinion of the people is more likely to be heard
as the opposition acts as a mouthpiece for them."
Other answers:
No opinion/No answer
@
2
:
Some respondents gave more than one answer.
-
21
-
TTNTaASSIFtSD
RE/iSDNS V/HY A STRONG OPPOSITION IS NOT CONSIDERED NECESSARY
"How necessary do you consider a strong opposition
in our fom of govemuent - that is political parties
which do not forti port of the governiient?"
necessary" ,
or
"Not at all necessary":
you consider a strong opposition not so/not at all
necessaiy?"
IF "Not so
"VJhy do
West Gei-nany
Because the opposition only causes unrest and
confusion:
"5$
"These political parties ore not willing tc^ bear part
of the responsibilities. They ore sir.iply against
everything cut of nere opposition."
"The Bundestag sessions aie loud enough without a
noisy opposition. It sonetinee offers even a
disgraceful spectacle."
"A strong oppcsiLion prevents the Bundestag from
^passing resolutions when they are urgently needed."
2
Because we can do without an cppositicn:
"With a strong personality on top, we don't need
any kind of opposition in our governnent."
"IThat we need is one strcng party."
"An opposition pigeonholes things that should be
settled without delay."
Because the opposition as uinority is unable to prevail
1
"All those parties that do not fom part of the governnent
are not in a position to advocate our interests."
"The rxajority will always have the last word any./ay."
Other reasons:
1
strong an opposition night lead to governnental
crises."
"It should contribute toward the welfare of the people
instead of advocating its own party interests."
•'Too
*
Nc opinion/No answei
1^
@
*
Sone respondents gave nore than one answer.
Less than one half of one percent.
22
-
GOVERHMEHT HELD IN CRITIC/X ESTEEM
While the West (Seman gcvemnent
is"
thought to have heen guilty of
occasional abuses (32^ agreed with that sta tenant )
,
there is evidently not enough
of a basis to give rise to fears that it is heading fcT a dictatorship (6^
thought so).
On the other hand,
30?^
of the West
Gemon population apparently
feels that the governnent is truly crncemed about the welfare of the people and
in no danger of abusing its powers.
"Sone people are talking about our governnent. (C/iRD)
V/hich view cones closest to your opinion?"
West Gemany
Mr. Mueller;
The nore independent the governnent has
becoi.ic during the past few yeais, the
nore authoritarian and autocratic its
neasures have becone - we are heading
straight for a dictatorship once nore,
even if of a different kind.
Ml
Schulze
Though I do not believe we'll have another
dictatorship; sone governnent neasuies and
regulations aie disquieting and indicate that
the governnent occasionally abuses its powers.
Mr. Schnidt;
Our ycung denocracj'- is secure and sound. Our
governnent is concerned about the welfare of
the people and I do not believe that sone day
it will try to abuse its powers'.
Cfjo
'
.
32
'
30
No cpinio'n
32
100^
CONSIDER/vBLE UNCERTi'iINTY OVER PUESUING SELFISH FOREIGN POLICY IN DISREG/'JRD
OF ALLIES
VThcn
asked
i.;hethei
they approved or disapprcved of
a
statenent which
a.vccated pursuit of a foreign policy which would only be for Goixiany's advantage Ln the giound that the Allies would also leave Gemany in the lurch in an
energency, alncst equal prcportions of the V/est
disapproved (30^);
ca
Geman population approved
were undecided (3U^)
"Do you approve
oi
disapprcve or this view?" (CARD)
In our foreign policy we should act only for our
owe advantace gIucc our Allies ifculd alec leave
us in the lurch in an eoergency
West Gemany
Approve
Disapprove
3656
..
:^..__,
UndecidelJNajASStfW
30
3V
i5of
(36^),
m
III.
Possible Dangers
BIGGEST THREAT TO POLITICAL AND SOCIAL FREEDCM SEEN CmiSG FRCM THE MILITARY
While only stiall groups of the population sow any threat to the political;.
and social freedon of the individual in any of the three possibilities presented
it is perhaps significant that the percentage naning the nilitary (22^) iras the
highest.
All political parties together were pointed out by 1?^.
It is signi-
ficant that arjong the political parties the Connuniet Party (KPD) vas naned
uorc often than all the rest conbined
-
9^, as against 8^ for all the rest.
"Do you see any threat to the political and social
freedtn of the indivicual in the following institutions?"
West Gcraany
there anything obcut the prlitical develrpnent in
rur cruntry or abt ut cur r^rvernn&nt that disturbs ycu
cr that yru cmsider disquieting'"
'Is
West Gemany
Yes
lH^
No
59
What?
f Done Stic
(rcroign
(other
12
1
100^
SUMMARY TABLE
West GeiTjany
D cnest ic Affairs
Zhl^
Rea/narent
Wage and price policies
Social Welfare
Snugness rf the grvemnent
Econcnic policies
Taxation
Discord in the Federal Assenbl"Influence ^f the Church
Old age 'f Adenauer
Other d-rj^estic affairs
For e i^gn A f fa ir
9f^
5
5
3
3
2
2
1
1
3
12
Reunificatirn
War prepaxatim
Influence rf the West
Shrrtsightedness t'vard? Crrmunisn
Saar prrblen
Other f'-^reign affairs
'
Other Reasons
1
cri icisrs
33
Nf
No 'pini-n.
n-
answer
26
\6G^
Sme
reep-ndents gave nrre than rne answer
-
25
-
tJ>7CT ;l?!SrPIT
"Is there anj'thing ob^ut the political i':evel'p-Tient in
ur cruntry r.r abrut our gcvernnifnt that (disturbs -^ou
rr that yroj. consider r'isqiueting'"
(
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
(.^H)
Reanaanent:
9^
It is built up against the will
"Yes! The new army.
of the people."
"The people should have been asked on the issue of a
new amy,"
"They go all out for a new amy. That will lead to no
good.
They should concern thenselves with the country
itself first."
"Reamanent costs too nuch money."
:'
Wa ge and price p olic ios
5
"I don't like the fact that the cost of living is
continually.' rising."
"The workers are continually getting higher wages
and prices are going up. This hurts the other
people."
"Prices are rising all the tine; the coal price,
frr exonple, is conpletely irresponsible."
Social welfare:
5
"Social reforms vere not carried cut long ago, but
for very transparent reasons only at a date shortly
before the election of the new Federal parliament,"
"The red tape around cld-age pensions is scandalous.
My ("wn application has been under consideration for
X^/hat an I supposed to live on in the
a j-ear now.
neantine'"
"Nothing is done for the poorer daoses of the population,"
"There is a lot of talking about the wcTkingiaan
very little is done f ^ r his social welfare."
but
The sinugneES_cf^ the gcvernnent (an d the Christian
DenocratsT:
"The government is slcwly developing into a dictatorship.
"Adenauer is grabbing too much power."
"The fact that the large masses are always ignored. The
government doesn't care a bit what we want."
"The CDU wants to govern all by itself."
Economic policies
;
"One thing that is net healthy about our economic
development is the huge gap between the rich and
the pocr."
"I an worried about a possible inflation."
"Our economic policies have a dubious value."
(Cont'd on next page)
UNCLASSIFIiD
(Cont'd frcn preceding page)
West Gemony
Taxation;
2$
•
"Give us a few nore oaxes and scon 50^ of cur work'
vill be for the state."
"The govemneut doesn't dc enough for the niddle
classes. The tax burden is ouch to heavy for the
srall business nan."
"The tax policies are cnesidedly geared to the dei-jonde
of the state."
The discord in the Federal Assenbly (and in party
politics);"
2
.
"Yes, these vicious attacks in the Federal porliaiient
cculd easily be avoided if there vefe a little understanding for the one, and sone respect for the other
person."
"The parties can never agree on the inportant issues."
"The split ancng the Free Denocrate."
The influence of the church;
1
"I an of the opinion that the church.. is neddling
tco nuch in politics."
"Religion has tco nuch influence on the governnent."
The old age of Adenauer;
1
"Adenauer is slowly getting too old. He should be replaced
by younger people,"
"\ThY doesn't Adenauer appcint a deputy Chancellor'"
Other donestic affairs;
3
.
"The develcpuent cf our ycung people is really fearful.
Nc ideals, no a ins."
"There is tec nuch spending. The governnent apparatus
is growing cut cf all prcpcrtion and is far tco expensive."
"Capital punishoent should be introduced again."
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
{12$)
Reunification:
3
"The governnent isn't doing everything possible to
effect the reunification cf Gemany."
"A hesitating policy of re\inification."
"They should suddenly Ci ne out vith a proposal regarding reunificaticn. Acticnl They are nuch tco lazy
and lane."
(Co.nt'd on next page)
-
27
(Cont'd trou preceding page)
West Gcmany
The war preporationg;
3i>
"We are once again slowly but surely orning fcr a war
and it is wrong to let the /unericans pull up with their
atonic quixs ."
"We are getting soldiers again. Pretty soon we'll have
another war, too, and we are all fed up with wars."
"The fact that they are so q,uickly building up an arny
again. You can't help feeling that things will start
popping pretty soon."
The strong influence of the Western powers and cur
dependence en then:
3
"Our so-called sovei-eignty exists en paper only. We are
too strongly tied up with Anerica."
"Our governnental bodies are to a certain extent just as
restricted in their actions as people are in the East.
Maybe the fom is a little nilder."
"They are making themselves too slavishly dependant on
Anerica."
Their shortsightedness tovrards the danger of Corxiunisn;
1
"I think that they ore keeping their eyes shut a little
too nuch abrut the danger lurking in the East, Corxiunisn."
"They have ollc'wed the Russians to enter like this so that
they can put their noses into all cur pots."
"Connunisu night easily spread through the. establishing
of enbassies. The Russians are in Bonn and we have an
anbassador in Mcscow."
1
The Saar problen;
"I have the uneasy feeling that they are giving in
to France too nuch in the Saar question."
"Gemany should be acre concerned with the Saar
problen."
1
Other foreign affairs;
"Our foreign policies are in need of a reappraisal."
"Too many one-sided fc reign policies. Too little
interest in what would beaefit the large nasses."
1
Other reasons;
Mo criticisn;
33
No opinion/No ansv;er;
26
loS^
©
Sone respondents gave nore than one answer.
^r,:rr:
\^:^T^
ONLY TWO OUT OF TEN CONSIDER A LE;J)ING PUBLIC FIGURE TOO AUTOCRATIC (/iDEN^^UER
MOST OFTEN)
N/'iMED
The great najority of the West
Geman populace
does not consider any
of its public figures to be toe autocratic or possessing authoritarian tendencies
as cnly two-tenths (22^) naned one or nore individuals vhon they thought fell
in this category.
The fact that Adenauer was naned by half of those who consi-
dered any individual autccratlc night well be expected since he is the nost
known personality in the Federal Republic.
'And can you nane any leading figures in public
life who, in your opinion, are too autocratic
or have sone authoritarian tendencies?"
West Geman y
Yes
No
No opinion
29
100^
IF "Yes.";
'WhoF
West Gcrpany
Dr.
Mr.
Dr.
Mr.
Mr.
Dr.
Adenauer, the Chancellrr
Schaeffer, the Finance Minister
Dehler, the leader cf the FDP
Blank, the Minister for Defense
Ollenhauer, the leader of the SPD
Hundlianner, the
-peaker of the
Bavarian Landtag
Dr. Preusker, the ninister for Housing
Professor Erhard;, Minister for Eccncnic
Affairs
Other leading figures
Nc opinion/No answer
Scne respondents gave nore than one answer.
Less than one half of one percent.
29
3
3
2
2
APPENDIX
you like to see a party established which only
had the good sides of national Socialism, or would
you not like to see that happen?"
•'\7ould
Yes, would
like to see
i t happ en
Total
235^.
Sex:
Men
26
'.Tomen
Education
Elementary school
Beyond elementary
;
Inco me;
Up"
to l.;9
Dli
15c to 299 mi
300 to 399 DH
400 to 499 DII
500 DLI and more
No answer
Opin ion Leadership Seal e:Q
Very active
Somewhat active
Remainder
Socio-Economic Status:
Upper classes
Upper middle classes
Lower middle classes
Lower classes
Age;
18 to 24 years
25 to 34 years
55 to 4-r years
45 to 59 years
60 years and over
Party Preferenc e;
SPD
CDU/CSU
PDP
Other parties
No party
No opinion/No answer
Occupation
Professionals
Businessmen
l.'hite-collar workers
Skilled laborers
Semi-skilled laborers
Domestic service
Farmers farmhands
Housewives
Unemployed
Pensioners; retired
Students; apprentices
R eligion
Catholics
Protestants
Others
No religion
;
;
(Cont'(
No, would
not like to
No
se e it happen opinion
4///0
J>y/o,,10(y/o
No, of
c ases
1816
TJNCL^^S.
(Cont'd fron preceding page)
Yes, would
like to see
it happen
Origin:
would
not like to
ITo
see it happen opinion
ilo^
of
cases
ITo,
.•^'-ji-^^^i^i-f
"Here are some vie\;s that are often expressed bypeople. Would you tell me \Jhether you approve or
disapprove of the follo\fing view?
We should again have a single strong national
party which really represents the interests
of all classes of our people."
(Cont'd from precediritj page)
"Do you approve or disapprove of this vievj?
should again have, as before, a
national leader who rules Germany \;ith
a strong hand for the welfare of all."
\7e
UNCLASSIFIED
(Cont'd from preceding page)
"Do you believe that our present government considers the wishes
of the general population too much, too little, or in the right
amount in its actions?"
Too
much
H
Totcl I<est G^nrtony
S.:
:
2
Men
Wcmen
Ei^ucation;
Elementary cchocl
BijC'iiC elemenLa.y schc 1
Incom£
to 11^9 DM
Up
150 tc 299 DM
300 tc- 399 DM
1<.00
to I199 IM
500 DM and m^rc
lini'.n Lea
ei ;hip
Scale
Very active
Some hat active
Remaindei
V,'
So.-ic-Economic S ta ug
Upper classes
Upper middle classes
K.ver middle classes
LcAiei classes
Age:
lE to 2k years
25 tc 3^ y^srs
35 to kk years
1^5 t<
59 years
60 years an'., ver
Parcy Prefeiencc:
SPD
:
CDU/CSU
FDF
Other partiesNc pox'.y
N;.
cpinicn/N.
3ns'.?er
Occ'jpatii- n:
I'vf^ssionals
Businessmen
V.Tiive-colla...
w,
ikeis
Skilled. labrre:i.s
Semi-skilled lab-.^.s
Dfmestic sej.vice
Fa imers ; fa ri.iho n(; s
Hcusevives
Uneraployed
Pens ionei s ; x'etii et.
S Ludents ;apprentices
Religion:
Catholics
Pj-otestants
Others
Nc
©
*
j.eligion
Deteimined by p.Aitical
Less than one half of
Too
little
3iio
In the
right amount
31^
Portly/
partly
No. of
No
opinion cases
30fo
1816
(Cont'd frcn precedinr; page)
JoXSD
do ycu believe Gernony needs
siluaticD''" (card)
'V/hat
in its present political
riiost
A national leader v/ho rules \ilth. a strong
hand
A smart man with the ability to effect conprociises
B
yho can negotiate in the parlianent between the
gcvernr.ient and the Bundestag for the -welfare of the
people
C - A Bundestag equipped with great authority which as
the responsible representative of the people detei
nines the policies of the govermient and critically
judges governiuental actions
No opinion
I:
-
-
A
Total
Sc:::
Men
Vfest GeiToany
B
C
No
Opinion
UNaASSIFIED
(Ccnt'd frcm preceding page)
Occupation
:
Pi^.fessicnals
Businessnen
t.Tiitc
-cc 11a r
„'c
rkeis
Skilled labcrers
Stni -skilled laborers
Donestic sarvtce
Fa imers ; fa lahands
Housevives
Unecployed
Pensioners j retired
Students ;apprentices
Religion:
.
Co Lhc lies
Pi-ctestonts
O.hers
No religion
Origin:
Natives
Ezipelloes ; refugees
City Size:
Up
to
1,999
2,000 to 19; 999
20,000
- 99,999
100,000 and nore
Land
Schlcs^;ig/H:lsteiii,
Hanburg; Brenen
Saxony
Noith Rhine /V/estpha lie
Hesse
Rhine la na/Pa la t ina te
Baden/vJuerttenberg
Bavaria
Lo'.:er
'Suppose there were a difference of opinion between
the Bundestag, as the elected representative of the
people, and the Chancellor, as head of the government, on important political questions - whose
opinion should then be decisive: that of the Bundestag or that of the Chancellor?"
That of the
Bundestag
Total West Germany
That of the
Chancellor
Partly/
partly
Sex:
Men
69
59
V/omen
1
50
62
Income
Up to 149 DM
150 to 299 DM
300 to 399 DM
400 to 499 DM
500 DM and more
No ans'.^er
Opinion Leadership Scale t@
Very active
Some'what active
Remainder
Socio-Economic S t atus
Upper classes
Upper middle classes
Lo'uer middle classes
Lov;er classes
Age
18 to 24 years
25 to 34 years
35 to 44 years
45 to 59 years
6G years and over
Party Preference ;
SPD
CDU/CSU
FDP
Other parties
No party
No opinion/Uo answer
Occupation
Professionals
Businessmen
•7hite- collar \;orkers
Skilled laborers
Semi-skilled laborers
Domestic service
Farmers; farmhands
;
36
36
55
59
65
43
80
63
45
;
58
57
45
39
;
52
57
58
52
40
71
49
72
59
47
32
:
House\;ives
Unemployed
Pensioners; retired
Students; apprentices
Religion
Catholics
Protestants
Others
Ko religion
72
59
65
75
52
32
47
42
57
42
65
opinion
No. c
cases
555^. ..1005$ 181
529S
Education ;
Elementary school
Beyond elementary
No
15
9
15
7
10
20
13
12
13
13
16
;
12
56
12
48
.10
62
62
9
(Cont« d on next page)
UNaASSTFEO
(Cont'd from preceding page)
Origin:
should the Bundestag delegate feel nore responsible - to his party because it put hin up as a
candidate, or to his vcters because they trusted hiu as
their representative?"
'Tci vjhcra
Total West Gemany
Sex:
UKOAssima)
:j.TWd(IlWiOO
ITNCLASSIFIEa)
"Hovj
necessary do you consider a strong opposition
in our form of government - that isj political
parties which do not form part of the government?"
Some-
Very
Hot
(Cont'd from preceding page)
'Some people are talking about 'our government,
".liicli
A -
(Card)
view comes closest to your opinion?
The more Independent the government has become during the past few years, the
more authoritarian and autocratic its measures
have become - we are heading straight for a
dictatorship once more, even if of different
kind.
I.tr.^IIu eller ;
E - Hr« Schulze
Though I do not believe we'll
have another dictatorship, some government
measures and regulations are disqviieting and
indicate that the government occasionally
abuses its powers,
C -
;
Our young democracy is secure and
Our government is concerned about the
welfare of the people and I do not believe that
some day it will try to abuse its powers,"
I.Ir,
Sc haidt;
sound.
UNaASSIFIED
(Cont'd from preceding page)
B
Occupation:
Professionals
Businessmen
.hite-collar vorlc'ers
Skilled laborers
Semi-skilled laborers
Domestic service
Farmers; farmhands
Housewives
Unemployed
Pensioners; retired
Students; apprentices
r.eligi on;
Catliolics
Protestants
Others
Ko religion
Origin
natives
Refugees; expellees
C ity Size
to
Up
1,999
2,000 to
19,999
20,000 to
99,999
100,000 and more
Land
;
;
;
Schlev7Sig/Holstein, Hamburg,
Bremen
Lower Saxony
North Rhine/'./estphalia
Eesse
Rhineland/Palatinate
Baden/Vuerttemberg
Bavaria
ll>i
_C__
ITo
op inion
ITo.
of oasc
UNCLAgSMEEj
"Do you approve or disapprove of this view?
In our foreign policy .ve should act only for
our own advantage since our Allies \7ould also
leave us in the lurch in an emergency,"
tji'^'OLr.i^ju
(Cont'd from preceding page)
"Do you see any threat to the political and social
freedom of the individual in the following institutions?"
The unions
Yes
Total
Germany
ITest
9/i
No
3^'p
No opinion
35'/o***loo^/o
No«of
1816
Sex ;
Men
14
I^omen
E ducation ;
Elementary school
Beyond elementary
Income
Up to 149 DM
816
1000
1509
507
;
137
286
373
150 to 299 DI'I
300 to 599 DM
400 to 499 DM
500 DM and more
No ansv/er
Opinion Leadership Scale :©
Very active
Somewhat active
Remainder
Socio-Eoonomio Status
Upper classes
Upper middle classes
Lower middle classes
Lower classes
502
454
264
95
559
1162
;
182
894
645
95
Mile to 24 years
25 to 54 years
35 to 44 years
45 to 5 9 years
60 years and over
Party Preferen ce;
SPD
CDU/CSU
FDP
Other parties
No party
ITo opinion/no answer
Occupation
Professionals
Businessmen
Vhite- collar workers
Skilled laborers
Semi- ski Her laborers
Domestic service
Farmers; farmhands
Housewives
Unemployed
Pensioners; retired
Students; apprentices
Religion;
254
354
552
566
510
459
469
96
95
358
359
;
54
145
209
215
184
44
122
5^9
23
224
31
'catholics
Protestc.nts
955
806
Others
ilo religion
3^
21
(
UNCLASSIPIED
(cont'd from preceding page)
Yes
Origin
Natives
Refugees; expellees
City S ize;
Up
to
1,999
2,000 to
>9;999
20?000 to
99,999
100,000 and more
L and
Schleanig/Hol stein, Hamljurg,
Bremen
Lower Saxony
North Rhine/Vestphalia
Hesse
Rhineland/Palatinate
No
No opinion
No, of cases
;
9/»
572
507
576
295
440
;
Baden/T.'uerttem"berg
Bavaria
195
247
515
189
114
252
526
'Do you sec
any threat to thQJ^polit&al and eocial freedon
of the indivioual in the following institutions?"
The military
Yes
Total West
Gerr.Tany
Sex:
Men
WoEien
Education
Elenentary school
Beyond elenentary
Incone
Up to 11*9 I3M
150 to 299 DM
300 to 399 DM
UOO to 499 DM
500 DM and more
No ons-wer
Opinion Leadership Scale
Very active
Sonewhat active
Renainder
Socio-Econouic Status
Upper classes
Upper middle classes
Loiter middle classes
Lower classes
Age
18 to 2k years
25 to 3h years
;
;
:
:
35 to kh years
to 59 years
60 years and over
Party Preference
SPD
CDU/CSU
FDP
Other parties
No party
No opinion/Nc answer
Occupation
Professionals'
Businessmen
White-ccllar workers
Skilled laborers
Semi-skilled laborers
Domestic service
Farmers; fai-mhands
Housewives
1*5
:
:
Unenployed
Pensioners retired
Students; apprentices
Religion
Catholics
Protestants
j
:
Others
No religion
;
UMOLASbiiJiUll
(Cont'd fron preceding pagu)
AoSIFIED
"Do you see any threa
;hrea t to the political and social freedom
of the individua 1 in the folloving institutions ?"
Specific poliLical partic
Yes
Total West Gemany
17^
No op 3
1+2^
4i^...loo^
Scic:
Men
Hcnen
Education
Elcncntary school
Beyond e lone n car
22
:
In cone
:
Up
to ll*9 DM
150 to 299 EM
300 -co 399 I'M
1^00 to 1^99 DM
500 DM and noic
No ansvjer
Ojdnion L adcrgha.p 3cale :@
V ry ca ive
S one what active
Remainder
Socio-Econonic Status
Upper clasEus
Upper uiddle classes
Lover niddle classes
Lower classes
Ago
l8 to 2k years
25 to Sk years
35 to kk years
^5 to 59 years
60 years and over
p.. rty Preference
SPD
CDU/CSU
FDP
Other parties
No party
No opinion/No ansijor
Occupation
Piofessionals
Businessmen
v/hite -c olla r workers
Skilled laborers
Sei.:i-skilled laborers
Donestic seivice
:
:
:
:
Fa n.-Le rs ; fa mha nds
Housewives
Unenploed
P.-
ns i one r s
;
re t i re d
Students; appri.ntices
Religion:
Catholics
Protestants
Others
No religion
(Cont'd on next page)
@
Detemincd by political and orgs ni rational participation.
NCLA6SIPISD'
(Cont'd from preceding page)
Yes
Origin:
Natives
Uxpellees; refugees
City S ize
Up '
to
1,999
2,000 to
19,999
20,000 to
99,999
100,000 and more
Land:
Schlesvig/llolstein, Hamburg,
Bremen
;
Lox;er &a::ony
North Pthine/"estphalia
Ilecse
Rliineland/palatinate
Baden/: uerttemberg
Bavaria
16/.
No
:lasswM^
any leading figures in public life
yho; in your opinion, are too autocratic or have some
authoritarian tendenci-es?"
"And' con you name
Yes,
Total_ J/e st G ermany
Sex:
Hen
T/omen
Educa tion;
Elementary school
Beyond elementary
Income;
to 149 Kl'I
Up
150 to 299 DII
300 to 599 DII
400 to 499 DI.I
500 DII and more
ITo answer
Opinion Leadership Scale ;G
Very active
Somewhat active
Remainder
Socio«-Economic_ Status
Upper classes
Upper middle classes
LoT/er middle classes
Lower classes
Age
18 to 2.; years
25 to 5'r years
35 to 44 years
45 to 59 years
SO years and &Tftr
P arty Pr~eferenoe
SPD "
CDU/CSU
FDP
Other parties
ITo party
No opinion/lJo ansv/er
Occupatio n;
Professionals
businessmen
'./hi te- collar workers
Skilled laborers
Semi-skilled laborers
Domestic service
Farmers; farmhands
Housewives
Unemployed
Pensioners; retired
Students; apprentices
Religio n;
Catholics
Protestants
Others
No religion
;
;
;
(Cont'd
(cont'd from preceding page)
Yes,
Adenauer
Or igin
;
natives
Expellees I refugees
City Size
Up
to
1,999
2,000 to
19,999
20,000 to
99,999
100,000 and more
Land
Schlesyig/Holstein, Hamburg,
Bremen
Lover Saxony
North Rhine/'.;estphalia
Hesse
Rhine land/Palatinate
Baden/l/uerttenberg
Bavaria
;
;
14^/i
Yes,
others
No
lIcK
No. of
opinion
cases
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA
3 0112 069044169