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To what extent did the constitutional reforms of 1789 to 1791 bring about…
To what extent did the constitutional reforms of 1789 to 1791 bring about equality in France?
Political
Right to vote Active/Passive citizens
Declaration of rights of man and citizen
Changes
Distinction between active and passive citizens was established based on wealth and tax contributions.
Active citizens, comprising men over 25 who paid the equivalent of three days' labor in direct taxes, were granted the right to vote and hold office. This group was estimated to be around 4.3 million people.
Passive citizens, including women, men who did not meet the tax requirement, and others, possessed civil rights but lacked political rights such as voting. This group constituted the majority of the population, with approximately 3 million men being considered passive citizens.
Significant changes were made to legal rights and procedures.
Accused persons were to be brought before a judge within 24 hours of their arrest.
Judgments in legal cases were required to be justified.
Torture and branding as forms of punishment were abolished.
Reforms were introduced concerning letters of the cachet (lettres de cachet), which were royal warrants for imprisonment without trial. The text indicates that the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen had declared them illegal.
Administrative
Changes
All administrative positions were acquired through elections
France was divided into 83 departments, replacing the old provinces. These departments were intended to be roughly equal in size and population. Below the departments were further subdivisions into districts, cantons, and communes
Each department was to have its own elected council of 36 members, a directorate of eight, and a procureur-general-syndic. Lower levels, such as districts, also had their own elected councils and officials.
Continuities
A local government at community level was kept highlighting the importance of the people
Economic and Social
Allowed active citizens to own property
Abolished feudal laws which made taxation higher. Even though it was fair it was still way to high
Everyone becomes a citizen - shows progress from the strict 3 estate system of the Ancien Regime
Removal of venalities and titles
Introduction
The constitutional reforms of 1789 to 1791 made significant progress towards equality from the deeply divided estate system of the Ancien regime. Although significant progress was made most progress was symbolic rather than tangible. Large changes were made by an enthusiastic bourgeoise that were unable to replicated in civilisation.