As the former Federal Republic of Civitas slipped closer to the brink of anarchy in 1511, Jerome von Hürtgen became Chancellor. He convened a Constituent Assemly to draft a new constitution to reconstitute the republic.

The work of the Assembly continued through the next year when the Basic Law was promulgated. A plebescite of all registered citizens overwhelmingly accepted the Basic Law with 97.5% of the vote. On 30 January 1513, Realm Day, the Social Republic of Schwerdt succeeded Civitas as the government of the people.

Schwerdt's Foundation

By the Basic Law, Schwerdt conserves proportion and form through the principles of the republic based on the rule of law. In accordance with the principle of the distribution of power, the functions of state authority are entrusted to specific legislative, executive, and judicial organs.

Inalienable Rights

The Basic Law's contistutional arrangements are characterised not only by the commitment to law and justice but also by specific elements essential to justice such as are found in, above all, the basic rights and leading contistutional principles.

In Schwerdt, the citizen's basic rights are inalienable and inviolable. They are binding on the state as directly enforceable by law. As a social state, Schwerdt is committed by the Basic Law to making provisions for life and the organisation of society by planning, directing, and assisting.