What rights did constitution of 1791 have?

The French Constitution of 1791 guarantees the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, and also equality before the laws. The Constitution of 1791 has been created by the Constitution of French in the National Assembly in 1791. It came to retain the monarchy, however, the sovereignty was effectively resided in the Legislative Assembly, which was elected by a certain system of indirect voting.

French Constitution of 1791

French Revolution

The French Revolution was a period that saw radical political and social changes and changed the fabric of the existence of France, it began with the estates general of 1798 and was dissolved with the formation of the French Consulate in November 1799. The main ideas or principles of the French Revolution are liberty, equality, and fraternity. The causes of the revolution range from social to political factors which were mismanaged by the existing rule. It started with the convocation of the Estates General which was later renamed the National Assembly ( it was a group of the commoners). The protest continued and eventually lead to the storming of the Bastille on 14 July.

Rights in the Constitution of 1791

The French Constitution of 1791 was the first-ever constitution of France. It was drafted after the collapse of the monarch of the Ancient Regime due to the French Revolution. The task of drafting the constitution was laid down on a committee of 12 members including two members each from the First and Second Estate and four members from the third estate. 

Features of the French Constitution of 1791

The main features of the French Constitution of 1791 are as follows:

• The feudal system was abolished and limited the power of the king. The feudal system was a type of social and political system in which the landholder or the landowner provided land to tenants in exchange for their loyalty and services. It limited the power of the king by forming the judiciary, Legislature, and Executive. Making the monarch only a title and now having authority in France.
• The king came under the supervision of the government making France a constitutional monarchy. This made the king a regular person, removing any rights he had and making him accountable to the government and answerable to the law. 
• All the citizens were treated equally removing any division levels that previously existed like the first estate, second estate, and third estate. This means that the privileges of the nobles and the clergy were stripped off and they were treated as normal citizens.
• Earlier in the French Revolution, the church collected a separate tax from citizens other than the monarch. This tax was abolished and all the land owned by the churches was confiscated.
• Any new law could not be made by the monarch, the power to make new laws was given to the national assembly.
• To avoid the concentration of power with one person it was distributed among the judiciary, the executive, and the legislature. The Judiciary deals with the justice system, the Legislature deals with the decision-makers and the executives represent the people who execute the rules.

Related Links

1. French Revolution
2. Causes of the French Revolution
3. French Revolution and the Idea of Nation
4. Women in the French Revolution
5. Revolution Affect The Everyday Life of People of France
6. Outbreak of the Revolution

FAQs on the Constitution of 1791

Q 1. What was the French Revolution?

Answer-

French Revolution refers to a time of social and political upheaval in France and its colonies between 1789 and 1799. They were inspired by the ideas of liberal as well as radical ideas.

Q 2. What are the 3 French Revolutions?

Answer-

The 3 important French Revolutions are 1789, 1830 and 1848.

Q 3. Who started the French Revolution?

Answer-

The French Revolution started in 1789 and had lasted till 1794. King Louis XVI needed some more money, but failed in raising taxed when he called instead meeting of Estates General, which turned into protests.