What role did the Chancellor play in the Weimar Republic?

The Chancellor in the Weimar Republic was primarily responsible for running the government and required support from the Reichstag, which was the parliament. This role involved leading the executive branch and making decisions about policy, governance, and administration. The Chancellor's effectiveness depended significantly on securing a majority in the Reichstag to pass legislation and maintain stability within the coalition governments that were common during this period.

The structure of the Weimar Constitution established a system of proportional representation, leading to fragmented parliaments and necessitating cooperation among different political factions. As a result, the Chancellor had to navigate complex political landscapes and often compromise to secure the backing needed to implement policies. This dependence on the Reichstag for support highlighted the democratic nature of the Weimar government while simultaneously illustrating the challenges it faced due to political instability.

The other roles mentioned, such as the head of the armed forces, head of state with absolute power, and representing Germany in foreign affairs, either do not reflect the reality of the Chancellor's responsibilities or are traditionally assigned to other roles within the Weimar government, such as the President or military leaders. This further elucidates why running the government and relying on the Reichstag for support is the most accurate description of the Chancellor’s role during this tumultuous