Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany

The Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany is the constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany, adopted in Bonn on 8 May 1949 and effective from 23 May after approval by the occupying Western Allies. It was termed a provisional "Basic Law" rather than a "constitution" because its drafters expected an eventual reunified Germany to adopt a definitive constitution, but it was retained as the definitive constitution when reunification took place in 1990. Its authors sought to ensure that a dictator could never again come to power, making the first article a protection of human dignity and human rights, and the principles of democracy, republicanism, social responsibility, federalism and the rule of law core components under Article 20. Articles 1 and 20 are protected by the "eternity clause," Article 79(3), which prohibits any amendment removing the principles they lay down.