The German People, united in all their branches, and inspired by the determination to renew and strengthen their Commonwealth in liberty and justice, to preserve peace both at home and abroad, and to foster social progress, have adopted the following Constitution.
PART ONE
Structure and Functions of the Commonwealth
SECTION I
COMMONWEALTH AND STATES
ARTICLE 1
The German Commonwealth is a republic.
Political authority is derived from the People.
ARTICLE 2
The territory of the Commonwealth consists of the territories of the German States. Other territories may be incorporated into the Commonwealth by national law, if their inhabitants, exercising the right of self-determination, so desire.
ARTICLE 3
The national colours are black, red and gold. The merchant flag is black, white and red, with the national colours in the upper inside corner.