The correct answer is option 'D' - Estates General.
Estates General:
The Estates General was a political body in France that was convened by the King of France in times of crisis. It was a general assembly representing the three estates of the realm: the clergy (First Estate), the nobility (Second Estate), and the common people (Third Estate).
Historical Significance:
The Estates General played a significant role in the French Revolution of 1789. The Third Estate, representing the common people, felt marginalized and demanded equal representation. This led to the formation of the National Assembly, which eventually abolished the feudal privileges of the nobility and clergy.
Structure and Function:
The Estates General was not a permanent institution and was only called into session by the King. Each estate had a separate meeting hall and voted separately on issues. The First and Second Estates could outvote the Third Estate, leading to discontent among the common people.
Legacy:
The Estates General laid the groundwork for the development of representative government in France. It paved the way for the establishment of the National Assembly and the eventual transition to a constitutional monarchy. The Estates General symbolizes the struggle for political representation and equality in French history.
In conclusion, the Estates General was a crucial political body in France that represented the three estates of the realm and played a significant role in the events leading up to the French Revolution.