The Weimar Republic faced significant problems that undermined its stability and governance: 1) Communist and right-wing extremist groups challenged the government through uprisings and rebellion, while many officials sympathized with the right and did not fully support the democratic system. 2) The army was not fully under civilian control and refused to defend the government during crises. 3) A proportional electoral system led to many small parties, making majority rule and stable governance difficult. 4) Occupation of the Ruhr valley by France in response to unpaid reparations humiliated Germany and hyperinflation ensued from paying workers to strike, further destabilizing the economy.