Enabling Law 
 The first law submitted to the Hitler - controlled Reichstag, on 23 March 1933, was a "Law for removing the distress of People and Reich". A sweeping measure to enable the Hitler Government to make laws without the approval of the Parliament. The 441:84 vote in favor was undoubtedly achieved by the exclusion of the communists and by the intimidating presence of SA men. The Five articles of the Enabling Law destroyed what was left of the German constitution. Article 1 transferred legislation from the Reichstag to the Government. Article 2 gave the administration full power to make constitutional changes. Article 3 transferred from President to Chancellor the right to draft laws. Article 4 provided that the terms of the Enabling Act applied to treaties with foreign states. Article 5 required renewal in four years.