ABSTRACT
The Nazi state defies most conventions of understanding and explanation. It embraced no clear constitution; indeed, the constitution of Weimar was never formally abolished. Its relationship with the Party was never clearly defined. The process whereby all legislative and executive power came to rest in Hitler's hands displays no thread of legality. The most meaningful label for the Third Reich is the Hitler state. If it had a constitution, it was represented in the will of the Fiihrer, Adolf Hitler. This will formed a supreme authority which was inalienable and unlimited. If one seeks to rationalise the Nazi state, it is thus to Hitler that one turns. But this presupposes that rationality was a prevailing feature of the Hitler mind: it was not. One has also to confront the facility with which Hitler delegated his power, as well as the ability of delegate leaders to make laws under the guise of carrying out the Fuhrer's will .
