c) 1795 Constitution - Year 3 Flashcards
What did Thermidorian’s want to create in a new constitution?
A new political structure that characterised the democratic and republican spirit of the original revolution
When was the new constitution ratified?
25 August 1795
What was the new electoral system like in the 1795 constitution?
- Tax paying men over 21 were able to vote for electors
2. Electors were highly wealthy, they voted for the deputies to the legislature
The new legislature was divided into what two chambers in the 1795 constitution?
- The Council of Five Hundred
- The Council of Ancient
What was the Council of Five Hundred?
Men over 30 could serve in this chamber
1/3 of members were replaced annually
Legislation was started here, if it passed in this lower chamber it was sent to the upper chamber
What was the Council of Ancient?
250 men over the age of 40 served in this chamber
It could pass or reject legislation
What was The Directory?
Made up of 5 directors
Controlled the government and its ministers
Had powers of law enforcement, foreign policy, and military
Five year term limit, each year the directors drew to see who would leave the Directory
What were the strengths of the 1795 Constitution?
- Checks and balances - each branch could prevent others from becoming too powerful
- Separation of powers - government needed the support of the legislature and vice versa
- Term limits - prevented corrupt politicians becoming too powerful
- Democracy - annual elections and no property qualification
What were the weaknesses of the 1795 Constitution?
- Annual elections were an expensive disruption
- Experienced politicians had to leave office
- Political party groupings would frequently change
