In summary, the system of democracy practised in the Federal Republic bears some striking similarities to that of the Weimar Republic. In terms of overall structure, the role of elections and the nature of government, the Federal Republic and Weimar are remarkably similar in their attempt to create a functioning liberal democracy as well as the protection of rights and freedoms. However, the deliberate reduction on the powers of the President, the stipulation of a 5% threshold in order to gain parliamentary representation and the ability to ‘legally’ exclude those groups presenting a threat to democracy reveals a deep seated desire on the part of the Federal Republic to create a more robust and resolute system of democracy in contrast to its failed predecessor.