j) Napoleon & 1799 Constitution Flashcards
Why did Napoleon want to be First Consul?
So that he could serve as head of state and have total control of the government
Napoleon forced Sieyés to accept him as First Consul with the right to serve for 10 years
Why was the new Electoral System popular?
It had universal male suffrage
All men over the age of 21, who had lived in the same house for one year, could vote
Why was the new 1799 Electoral System corrupt?
Voting was indirect and participation was almost non-existent
There were no elections, only presentations of candidates
What was the Senate?
Had the power to amend the constitution
Appointed members of the Tribunate and the Legislature from a pool of about 6,000 notables
What had Sieyés originally thought about the Senate?
That it would be used as a restraint on the consulate
What was the Council of the State?
Had about 40 members
The council’s role was to nominate government officials and introduce, but not vote on, legislation
What was the Tribunate?
Consisted of 100 members aged 25 and over
They could discuss legislature but were prohibited from voting
What was the Legislature?
300 men over 30 served on the Legislature
They could secretly vote on legislation but were barred on discussing it
When was the new constitution subject to approval?
In February 1800
What were the result on the plebiscite for the new constitution?
Around 3,000,000 in favour with around 1,500 against
