This is a peculiar point in the German Constitution. Whereas in France, the state of siege cannot be declared except by a law, in Germany it is sufficient to declare it by means of a simple order of the President. Article 48 gives him the right, when security and public order are seriously affected or menaced, to take necessary measures for the re-establishment of security and public order and at need to use, therefore, armed force to that end. But in order that he may be able to resort to these exceptional measures, tranquillity and public safety must be seriously affected or menaced. But he alone has the power to decide if and when this condition is fulfilled. In the same way he alone decides what measures are necessary for the re-establishment of order. He may particularly--the Constitution expressly gives him this right but only in a general way--suspend individual liberties. As to details in this matter the Constitution provided for the passing of an ordinary law which should prescribe particulars more completely; but this law has not yet been enacted. It is agreed to recognize that until such a law has been passed the _authority of the President in this respect remains unlimited_. He may therefore not only order all measures which seem to him necessary for this or that emergency, but he may also by an ordinance prescribe general and permanent measures. He may institute penalties or increase those provided by the penal code. He may also establish special tribunals. It is in effect a dictatorship. This extraordinary power which has been given him, the President uses to a very large extent. Germany, it is true, is traversing a particularly troubled period and it is probable that this is responsible for the great number of ordinances issued by the President creating states of siege. There are regions that are almost constantly in a state of siege, particularly the Ruhr. In 1920 Berlin remained in a state of siege from January 13th to May 28th.