Section V: Economic Life
ARTICLE 151
The regulation of economic life must be compatible with the principles of justice, with the aim of attaining human conditions of existence for all. Within these limits the economic liberty of the individual is assured. [ . . . ]
ARTICLE 152
Freedom of contract prevails in accordance with the laws. [ . . . ]
ARTICLE 153
The right of private property is guaranteed by the Constitution. Expropriation of property may only take place [ . . . ] by due process of law. [ . . . ]
ARTICLE 159
Freedom of association for the preservation and promotion of labor and economic conditions is guaranteed to everyone and to all vocations. All agreements and measures attempting to restrict or restrain this freedom are unlawful.
[ . . . ]
ARTICLE 161
[ . . . ] The Reich shall organize a comprehensive system of [social] insurance.
[ . . . ]
ARTICLE 165
Workers and employees are called upon to cooperate, on an equal footing, with employers in the regulation of wages and of the conditions of labor, as well as in the general development of the productive forces. [ . . . ]
Concluding Provisions
[ . . . ]
ARTICLE 181
The German people have passed and adopted this Constitution through their National Assembly. It comes into force with the date of its proclamation.
Schwarzburg, August 11, 1919.
The Reich President
EBERT
The Reich Cabinet BAUER ERZBERGER HERMANN MÜLLER DR. DAVID NOSKE SCHMIDT SCHLICKE GIESBERTS DR. BAYER DR. BELL
Source of English translation: Louis L. Snyder, ed., Documents of German History. New Brunswick, New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 1958, pp. 385-92.
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