The German Empire was a federal and constitutional hereditary monarchy until the end of the monarchy in 1918. This means that Germany was not a centralized state like France, etc., or a kingdom like Italy, where the king held all the titles, but a federal state consisting of several partially sovereign states that united to the Confederation. More precisely, this empire consisted of twenty constitutional monarchies (the power of the ruler was limited by a constitution), two absolute monarchies (the ruler can rule unrestrictedly) and three republics. The largest and most influential of these states was the Kingdom of Prussia, whose laws were not only partially applicable nationwide, but also, having the majority of the envoys in the Federal Council, influenced the legislation of the entire German Empire. In addition, the Heads of State and Government of Prussia and Germany were the same: The King of Prussia was President of the Confederation and was named "German Emperor". He appointed the head of government, the Prussian prime minister, who was also "Chancellor of the Empire". Of course, the German Empire, as a constitutional monarchy, had a constitution. This law was above all others, even above those of the individual states of the empire. Parliament and the Federal Council were responsible for the legislation. As already indicated, all sub-states send representatives to the Federal Council and represent the interests of their rulers. In the meantime, germany-wide elections were held initially every three years, later every five years. The persons entitled to vote (all men aged 24 and over) elected representatives to Parliament representing the interests of the people.