Before the First World War, Germany was a nation with an imperial government. With a Kaiser as the full government, Germany was in control of over 27 countries. After World War I and the Treaty of Versailles, the empire collapsed and a new form of government was adopted. Known as the Weimar Republic, this time in German history was important for its rejection of the old imperial form of government and focus on a new democratic approach. During its fourteen years of existence, the Weimar Republic experienced periods of upheaval but also of prosperity. After the war, hyperinflation affected their growth and citizens turned to a barter economy to survive. After the first years in the Republic, the economy stabilized and the Republic was able to enjoy economic, governmental and cultural prosperity. The last four years have been a time of struggle, as violence began to spread and political extremism spread. Although the Weimar Republic is known for its battle against economic problems, the most noted contribution during that period was the introduction of a new constitution. The new constitution aimed to involve German citizens and provide citizens with the ability to appoint their own representatives. The Constitution introduced a new bicameral system in government. Germany was divided into nineteen different states and the government consisted of two distinct functions. The Reichstag represented Germany as a whole, while the Reichsrat represented the different regions. The president was elected for a seven-year term. Chancellor was a position appointed by the President and was based on the candidate with the majority of votes in the Reichstag. The newly drafted Constitution gave Germany a new form of government, but it also established new rights that benefited a certain group of citizens