CM Political Reforms 1789-91

Question 1

When did Louis accept the new constitution and changes to voting?

Answer 1

1791

Question 2

How did the constitution distribute power?

Answer 2

• July/August 1789
• Representative democracy: elected governing body acted as the legislative
• King and royal ministers made up executive
• Judiciary made independent

Question 3

How many chambers and how was this decided?

Answer 3

• Vote in September 1789

- Favoured 1 chamber: the NA and decided in favour of a King’s suspensory veto to balance power

Question 4

What did the NA now have the right to do?

Answer 4

• Make laws
• Collect taxes
• Decode on war and peace

Question 5

How and when were elections held?

Answer 5

• Every 2 years

- Indirect system of electoral colleges

Question 6

What rights did Louis XVI maintain?

Answer 6

• Select ministers to form a cabinet (not allowed to sit in A)
• Private income
• Civil list reduced around 20m livres to 25m

Question 7

When was the distinction between citizens made and what was it ?

Answer 7

• December 1789
• Active citizens (male, over 25, lived in one place for a year, spoke French and paid direct taxes of 3 days’ labour)
• Passive citizens had civil rights but not the right to vote