Subjektivität und Politik bei Max Weber: Die Funktion des Parlamentarismus

Abstract

SUMMARY This article examines how Max Weber reconciled his notion of bureaucracy with parliamentary institutions. Rationalizing bureaucracy was indeed the efficient motor of the modern world, itself constructed like a machine. The development of bureaucracy in modern times had separated the private and public spheres, the subjective and objective, and the apparatus of bureaucracy became the dominant partner. Nevertheless, elements of individual freedom remained in different forms of political rule, including charismatic leadership and parliamentary representative institutions. By basing legitimacy on the votes of the electorate, representative institutions combined subjectivity and rationality. Politicians also need to combine these qualities in their personal skills, as they have to serve the values of their community, not just the dictates of efficiency so paramount for bureaucrats. For the citizens, however, political activities are limited to the act of voting, but at least here Weber comes out clearly in favour of democracy, without giving up his idea of ‘leadership’. Political decisions are for the few who can act rapidly and responsibly. Weber cites the British parliamentary system as one that can still produce decisive leaders. Within parliament, the party system also allows choice to individual members and enables them to keep contact with the electors (though Weber is aware that parties are strictly organized by their own charismatic leaders). A working parliament is the stage on which political leaders are trained and chosen. On rare occasions, such as Germany's situation after World War I, Weber allows for a referendum as a means of wider popular involvement. Altogether, he finds political means to limit the excessive power of bureaucracy while relying on its technical efficiency to run the state. Politicians may control bureaucrats through parliamentary committees or public investigations. Co-operation and balance between politicians and bureaucrats is required to avoid the misuse of power by either, thus setting boundaries for both charisma and rationality.