The 1791 Constitution
The French constitution of 1791 strove to follow in America’s footsteps as it promoted human rights and sovereignty. It was the first written constitution in France, drafted by the National Assembly during the French revolution. The Declaration of Rights of Man was drafted by The Marquis de Lafayette in 1789 which eventually became the preamble of the new constitution.It stated that all men were “born and remain free and equal in rights”. The constitution promised to uphold the right to “liberty, property, security and resistance to oppression”. The constitution was created to replace the Absolute monarchy after the collapse of the ancient Régime. It aimed to develop an efficient government through replacing the old provinces with 83 departments of equal size. Reformation of laws and demolition of old courts were acted upon. It centered on limiting the power the king had over France, and abolished the feudal system. The Church was nationalized, giving people the freedom of religion and free trade. More opportunities were given to the Middle class which allowed them to partake in the new legislative assembly. The legislative assembly, which was the product of the separation of powers, composed of members who were elected by the citizens. They had the power to create the new laws of society and supervise the king in making decisions. The nobility and clergy also had limited power because of the constitutional monarchy. Nevertheless, the constitution offered compensation to nobles for land seized by peasants and destroyed properties.For some reformers, the declaration of the constitution marked the end of the revolution. In conclusion, the Constitution of 1791 centered on Enlightenment ideas which was much evident in the separation of Church and government. Unfortunately, all beneficial revisions were short-lived as the constitution barely lasted for a year.
Sources:
Prentice Hall World History, 2005 pp. 429-430
http://www.ask.com/wiki/French_Constitution_of_1791
http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/history/american-revolution-causes-early-troubles.html
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/causesrevwar.htm
http://mrnussbaum.com/amrevolution/arce.htm
http://ic.ucsc.edu/~traugott/hist171/readings/1791-09ConstitutionOf1791
Image: http://www.1st-art-gallery.com/thumbnail/132190/1/King-Louis-Xvi-$281754-93$29-Swearing-On-The-Book-Of-The-Constitution,-14th-September-1791.jpg
Researchers:
Francene Go
Sophia Go
Sources:
Prentice Hall World History, 2005 pp. 429-430
http://www.ask.com/wiki/French_Constitution_of_1791
http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/history/american-revolution-causes-early-troubles.html
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/causesrevwar.htm
http://mrnussbaum.com/amrevolution/arce.htm
http://ic.ucsc.edu/~traugott/hist171/readings/1791-09ConstitutionOf1791
Image: http://www.1st-art-gallery.com/thumbnail/132190/1/King-Louis-Xvi-$281754-93$29-Swearing-On-The-Book-Of-The-Constitution,-14th-September-1791.jpg
Researchers:
Francene Go
Sophia Go