May 2009 sees the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Basic Law (Constitution) of the Federal Republic of Germany. To mark this occasion, the Foundation is publishing two keynote speeches which Theodor Heuss delivered before the Parliamentary Council. His opening speech on 9th September 1948 and his final speech on 8th May 1949 are key markers for his active commitment to the work of this constituent assembly. An essay by Prof. Jutta Limbach, former President of the Federal Constitutional Court, completes the volume.