Constitution of the Year III

The Constitution of the Year III, established on 22 August 1795 (5 Fructidor Year III), was a critical document in the late phase of the French Revolution. It marked the end of the National Convention, which had governed France since the abolition of the monarchy, and initiated the Directory as the executive power. Importantly, this constitution aimed to moderate the extremes of the previous revolutionary governments (both the radical Jacobin rule during the Reign of Terror and the preceding monarchy).

The Constitution of the Year III instituted a new bicameral legislature, which was composed of the Council of Five Hundred (responsible for proposing legislation) and the Council of Ancients (responsible for approving or rejecting laws proposed by the Council of Five Hundred). This structure was designed to prevent any single body or individual from gaining too much power, reflecting the revolutionaries' fear of both despotism and the violent excesses of the earlier revolutionary government.

Moreover, the executive power under this constitution was vested in the Directory, a collegial body of five directors. These directors were chosen by the legislature and served a one-year term. This arrangement sought to curtail the potential for dictatorial authority, aiming for a balanced and more stable governance.

The electorate under the Constitution of the Year III was notably limited. Voting rights were restricted to "active citizens" (men aged 21 and over who paid a direct tax), which disenfranchised a significant portion of the population, particularly the lower classes and women. This restriction reflected a conservative turn in the revolution, as the framers of the constitution sought to stymie mass political participation that could lead to further radicalism or upheaval.

This constitution also responded to economic conditions, as France faced severe inflation, food shortages, and war-induced fiscal strain. The Directory was given powers to handle economic matters and manage the ongoing wars against various European coalitions. However, their rule ultimately proved inefficient and corrupt, leading to general dissatisfaction.

One lasting effect of the Constitution of the Year III was the establishment of a precedent for executive and legislative separation of powers in French governance. Despite its imperfections and eventual replacement by Napoleon’s coup on 9 November 1799 (18 Brumaire Year VIII), the Constitution of the Year III highlighted the continual struggle during the French Revolution to balance order and liberty, structure and freedom.

• The Constitution of the Year III (Constitution de l'An III) was adopted on 22 August 1795, establishing a more conservative reaction to the radical phase of the Revolution.
• It introduced the Directory (Directoire), a five-member committee that replaced the National Convention, marking a shift from revolutionary idealism to political pragmatism.
• This Constitution aimed to stabilize France after the chaos of the Reign of Terror and the insurrection of 1793-1794, balancing power between various political factions.
• Interestingly, the Constitution of the Year III was designed to limit popular participation in government by imposing property qualifications for voters, a notable change from previous democratic intentions.
• The Constitution established a bicameral legislature, with the Council of Ancients and the Council of Five Hundred, allowing more controlled debate and decision-making compared to earlier revolutionary assemblies.