In view of the Catholic resistance, the May Laws of 1873 gave responsibility for the training and appointment of clergy to the state, which resulted in the closing of nearly half of the seminaries in Prussia by 1878. Any cleric had to prove a university education and take a state examination. His appointment was subject to an obligation of disclosure to the Province's Oberpräsident (Upper President), who had the power to veto.
In response to Catholic resistance, the May Laws of 1873 shifted control over clergy training and appointments to the state, leading to the closure of many Prussian seminaries by 1878. Clerics needed university education and a state exam for appointment, with their selection subject to approval by the Province's Oberpräsident (Upper President).