the constitution of year III

Question 1

when was the thermidorian government

Answer 1

• 27th July 1794 – 22 August 1795
• until the new constitution comes into effect.

Question 2

what was the longest surviving revolutionary government of this period

Answer 2

the directory

Question 3

aims of the directory

Answer 3

• Directory determined to achieve stability through political moderation
• Committed to republicanism but wanted a moderate one that prevented the resurfacing of a dictatorship and mob rule.
• But it was beset with problems from the start.

Question 4

AIMS OF THE CONSTITUTION OF YEAR III

Answer 4

• Designed to achieve moderation and overcome problems faced in 1794-5 (achieve stability).
• Prevent a return to monarchy, factionalism or a dictatorship like that of the CPS and Robespierre
• Control the SC.
• They were keen to return to government by the propertied classes.
• Fulfil Enlightenment principles.

Question 5

It guaranteed

Answer 5

• The rule of law
• Freedom of religion,
• freedom of the press
• freedom of labour

Question 6

it forbode

Answer 6

• armed assemblies
• public meetings of political societies

Question 7

Council of Five Hundred - legislative

Answer 7

• All members had to be over 30
• It initiated and drafted new legislation

Question 8

Council of Elders/Ancients - legislative

Answer 8

• All members had to be over 40.
• 250 members
• Approved or rejected legislation.

Question 9

was there a property qualification to be a deputy

Answer 9

• no
• age requirement had to be meet

Question 10

CHECKS AND BALANCES / SAFEGUARDS - legislative

Answer 10

• There was an indirect system of elections
• There were short terms of political service.
• It introduced the Law of Two Thirds.

Question 11

THE EXECUTIVE

Answer 11

• The CPS was replaced by a five-man directory.
• Each had to be over 40 and with prior ministerial or parliamentary experience.
• They were responsible for law enforcement, and foreign and military affairs.
• No part in legislation and finance.
• No right to veto
• No right to declare war or peace.

Question 12

CHECKS AND BALANCES / SAFEGUARDS - executive

Answer 12

• Separation of powers.
• Directors were chosen by the Council of Ancients from a list drawn up by the Five Hundred
• Held office for 5 years
• One was chosen, by drawing lots, to retire each year.

Question 13

THE JUDICIARY – CHECKS AND BALANCES / SAFEGUARDS

Answer 13

• Short terms of office: 2 years for JPs, 5 years for judges of department tribunals.
• Elected to assure their independence from the other branches of government.

Question 14

What are the main weaknesses of the Constitution of 1795?

Answer 14

1. Too many checks and balances
2. No clear leadership or direction
3. Councils could paralyse the Directory.
4. No mechanism to resolve disputes between the directors and two councils.
5. Law of Two Thirds caused opposition from the Right - Vendemaire Rising in 1795, and the Left - Babeuf plot 1796.
6. Constitutional revision had to be approved by each Council, three times, over three-year intervals.
7. Even if the Councils could agree on a change, it would take 9 years for that amendment to be enacted.