to be
had in those tribunals.[325] It serves also as a court of last resort
for the settlement of disputes between the Imperial Government and a
state; or between two states, when the point at issue is not a matter
of private law and when a definite request for action is made by one
of the parties. Finally, in disputes relating to constitutional
questions in states whose constitution does not designate an authority
for the settlement of such differences, the Bundesrath is required, at
the request of one of the parties, to effect an amicable adjustment;
or, if this shall prove impossible, to see to it that the issue is
settled by Imperial law.[326]

[Footnote 325: Art. 77. Dodd, Modern Constitutions,
I., 350.]

[Footnote 326: Art. 76. Dodd, Modern Constitutions,
I., 350. On the Bundesrath see Howard, The German
Empire, Chap. 4; J. H. Robinson, The German
Bundesrath, in _Publications of University of
Pennsylvania_, III. (Philadelphia, 1891); P.
Laband, Das Staatsrecht des deutschen Reiches, Secs.
27-31; A. Lebon, Etudes sur l'Allemagne politique,
137-151; Dupriez, Les Ministres, I., 505-523; Zorn,
Das Staatsrecht des deutschen Reiches, I., 136-160;
E. Kliemke, Die Staatsrechtliche Natur und Stellung
des Bundesrathes (Berlin, 1894); A. Herwegen,
Reichsverfassung und Bundesrat (Cologne, 1902).]

CHAPTER XI (p. 223)

THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT: REICHSTAG, PARTIES, JUDICIARY

I. COMPOSITION OF THE REICHSTAG--ELECTORAL SYSTEM

In complete contrast with the Bundesrath, which is a purely federal
institution, the Reichstag is broadly national. It represents, not the
states, nor yet the people of the states, but the people of the Empire
as a whole. From what has been said regarding the preponderance of the
autocratic principle in the German system it follows that there is no
room in that system for a parliamentary chamber of the nature of the
British House of Commons or of the French Chamber of Deputies. None
the less, restricted as are its functions, the Reichstag is one of the
world's most vigorous and interesting legislative bodies.

*235. Allotment of Seats.*--Members of the Reichstag are chosen for