Landtag of the Free State of Saxony

Geschichte

The Landtag of the Free State of Saxony, also referred to as the Saxon Landtag, the Parliament of Saxony or the Saxon Parliament, is the legislative body of the German State of Saxony. It is based on the Free State's constitution, drafted in 1992.HistorySome form of an assembly has existed in the state's predecessors since the Saxon House of Wettin was enfeoffed with the Margraviate of Meissen in 1089. The local ministeriales regularly met with the Wettin margraves, consulting but also defending the interests of the region they were from. By the time when Meissen was elevated to the Electorate of Saxony according to the Golden Bull of 1356, the noble representatives of the estates formed a constant advisory board. With the deputies of the Saxon cities, these Landstände councils gradually obtained considerable voice opportunities until the 15th century, mainly in fiscal and military policies, later also in religious matters concerning the Protestant Reformation.Kingdom of SaxonyA modern-style bicameral constitutionally-based legislature of the Kingdom of Saxony was introduced in 1831. In the wake of the tumultuous 1848 revolutions, Saxony's Landtag extended voting rights (though still maintaining property requirements) and abolished voting-taxes. In 1871, Saxony was incorporated into the German Empire and more voting rights were gradually extended.