Reforms Of Constituent Assembly Flashcards
What were the aims of the reforms for local government?
Decentralise power
Create a coherent structure
Introduce democracy
Main changes to local government
Divided into: 83 departments 547 districts 43 360 communes Communes into cantons- held primary assemblies for elections and JofPs had courts there Paris divided into 48 sections
Who did the new electoral system favour?
The wealthy- qualified to vote depending on how much tax you paid.
At local levels most peasants paid enough to to vote and stand for election.
What were passive citizens?
Enjoyed all the new rights introduced but did not pay enough tax to qualify to vote.
What were active citizens?
People who paid enough tax to vote in elections, and for those who paid the most tax, also stand as candidate for election
What were the 3 tiers of active citizens?
- Paid equiv. of 3 days labour in local taxes. Had the right to choose electors.
- Paid equiv. of 10 days labour . Had the right to elect members of the canton and dep. assemblies as well as stand for election to them. Could elect members of NA.
- Paid equiv. 54 says labour. Had right to stand as candidate for NA.
Who controlled new councils?
South= bourgeoisie
North= bourgeoisie professionals and businessmen
Rural north= well off peasants
What the the responsibilities of the new local gov?
Assess and collect direct taxes
Maintain law and order
Carry out public works
Control NG
When was the sale of the church lands?
2nd Nov 1789: all church land and property nationalised and assignats introduced.
Nationalised land= biens nationaux.
What were the reasons for selling the church lands?
Provide money for gov whilst they drew up new tax system
Guarantee success of revolution- owned land= less likely to was a return to AR
Make clergy support new regime- dependant on gov for new salaries.
How much church land had been sold by 1799? What percentage belonged to whom?
25%
Peasants had 52%, bourgeoisie 48%.
Give 3 reforms of the tax system:
1789- abolished all indirect taxes + taille, capitation and vingtieme + ended tax farming
Jan 91- introduced 3 new taxes
Couldn’t afford to do up to dat valuations of land - not started until 1807 and not finished till 1830
What did the NA believe in in terms of economy?
Laissez faire.
Give 3 economic reforms
Aug 1789 - free grain in trade introduced and proc controls removed
Oct 1790- internal tariffs abolished creating single national market.
Metric system introduced.
