155. When were the National Socialists in Germany in power?

Answer options

1. 1888 to 1918
2. 1921 to 1934
3. 1933 to 1945
4. 1949 to 1963

Explanation

The National Socialists held power from Hitler’s appointment as Reich Chancellor on 30 January 1933 until Germany’s unconditional surrender on 8 May 1945. Through Gleichschaltung and the Enabling Act of 24 March 1933, the Weimar Constitution formally remained in force, but the parliamentary rule‑of‑law order was hollowed out and replaced by a one‑party dictatorship. The 1949 Basic Law draws core safeguards from this experience, including the inviolability of human dignity (Art. 1), the eternity clause (Art. 79(3)), and “militant democracy” measures such as party bans and the right of resistance (Art. 20(4)).