Constitution of 1791

Definition

The Constitution of 1791 was the first written constitution in France, created during the French Revolution, which established a constitutional monarchy and aimed to limit the powers of the king while ensuring civil liberties for citizens. This document marked a significant shift from absolute monarchy to a system where the authority of the monarchy was constrained by law, reflecting Enlightenment ideas about governance and human rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Constitution of 1791 was adopted on September 3, 1791, and it created a constitutional monarchy that limited the powers of King Louis XVI.
2. It established a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with a Legislative Assembly tasked with creating laws.
3. Citizens were granted civil liberties such as freedom of speech and press, but voting rights were limited to 'active' citizens who paid a certain amount in taxes.
4. The constitution abolished feudalism and aimed to create a more equitable society by removing privileges held by the nobility and clergy.
5. The Constitution of 1791 ultimately failed to stabilize France, leading to political turmoil and paving the way for more radical changes, including the rise of the radical Jacobins.

Review Questions

• How did the Constitution of 1791 change the political landscape in France compared to previous governance structures?
  • The Constitution of 1791 fundamentally altered France's political landscape by transitioning from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. It placed constraints on King Louis XVI's power and established a system where laws would be created by an elected Legislative Assembly. This marked a significant shift towards representative government and was influenced by Enlightenment ideas advocating for democracy and citizen rights.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Constitution of 1791 in addressing the needs and demands of French society during the Revolution.
  • While the Constitution of 1791 introduced several progressive reforms, such as civil liberties and abolition of feudal privileges, its effectiveness was limited. Many citizens were dissatisfied with restricted voting rights and ongoing economic problems. The constitution struggled to maintain stability amid rising tensions between moderates and radicals in society, ultimately contributing to its failure as political factions emerged that sought more drastic changes.
• Analyze the long-term implications of the Constitution of 1791 on future French governance and its influence on democratic movements in Europe.
  • The Constitution of 1791 set a precedent for constitutional governance in France, influencing later attempts at establishing democratic systems. Its failure highlighted challenges associated with balancing authority and citizen rights, leading to further revolutions and reforms in France. Additionally, it inspired other European nations by demonstrating the potential for constitutional frameworks to limit monarchical power and promote individual rights, shaping democratic movements across the continent.

Related terms

Estates-General:

A legislative assembly representing the three estates of French society: the clergy, the nobility, and the common people, convened in 1789 to address financial issues.

National Assembly:

The revolutionary assembly formed by the representatives of the Third Estate in 1789, which played a crucial role in drafting the Constitution of 1791.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen:

A fundamental document from August 1789 that outlined individual and collective rights, serving as a prelude to the Constitution of 1791.