Briefly explain the system of voting existed in France in old regime.?
The system of voting in France during the Old Regime was vastly different from what it is today. Here are the following points highlighting the system of voting existed in France in the Old Regime:
Elections conducted by the First and Second Estate:
- During the Old Regime, voting was conducted only by the First and Second Estate.
- The First Estate represents the clergy, and the Second Estate represents the nobility.
- They had the power of electing the king, making laws, and collecting taxes.
Voting was based on the principle of 'one vote per estate':
- Voting was based on the principle of 'one vote per estate.'
- This meant that each estate had one vote, irrespective of the number of members it had.
- This system was unfair as it gave more power to the First and Second Estate, who were only a small percentage of the population.
The Third Estate was not allowed to vote:
- The Third Estate was not allowed to vote, and they had no representation in the government.
- This was because they were considered to be the 'commoners' and did not have the same privileges as the First and Second Estate.
Restrictions on voting:
- Even within the First and Second Estate, there were restrictions on voting.
- Only the wealthiest members of these estates were allowed to vote, while the poorer members were excluded.
The system was abolished during the French Revolution:
- The system of voting based on the principle of 'one vote per estate' was abolished during the French Revolution.
- The National Assembly, which was formed during the revolution, introduced a new system of voting that gave equal representation to all citizens.
In conclusion, the system of voting in France during the Old Regime was highly unequal, as it only allowed the First and Second Estate to vote, while excluding the Third Estate. This system was abolished during the French Revolution, which introduced a new system of voting that gave equal representation to all citizens.
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