**The System of Estates in French Society**

In pre-revolutionary France, the society was organized into a hierarchical structure known as the system of estates. This system was based on the division of the population into three distinct estates, each with its own rights, privileges, and responsibilities. The system of estates played a significant role in shaping the social and political landscape of France prior to the French Revolution. Below is a detailed explanation of how the system of estates was organized.

**First Estate: The Clergy**
The first estate consisted of the clergy, which included bishops, priests, and monks. They were responsible for performing religious duties and managing the affairs of the Catholic Church. The clergy enjoyed numerous privileges and exemptions, including exemption from paying taxes. They also owned vast amounts of land and enjoyed significant wealth and influence. The clergy played a crucial role in society, providing spiritual guidance and running charitable organizations.

**Second Estate: The Nobility**
The second estate comprised the nobility, which included aristocrats, lords, and knights. They were born into their positions of power and privilege and enjoyed a high social status. The nobility held important positions in the government, military, and judiciary. They owned vast estates and enjoyed feudal rights, such as collecting taxes from the peasants who worked their land. The nobles were exempt from many taxes and had the privilege of hunting and wearing distinctive clothing.

**Third Estate: The Commoners**
The third estate encompassed the majority of the population and was by far the largest estate. It consisted of various groups, including wealthy bourgeoisie, urban workers, rural peasants, and the urban poor. The commoners had little to no political power and were burdened with heavy taxes. They were responsible for supporting the first and second estates through their labor and contributions. The commoners were deeply frustrated with the inequalities of the system, as they faced economic hardships and lacked political representation.

**Conclusion**
The system of estates in French society was organized in a hierarchical manner, with the clergy comprising the first estate, the nobility forming the second estate, and the commoners making up the third estate. Each estate had its own privileges, responsibilities, and social status. The inequalities and injustices of this system played a significant role in fueling the discontent that eventually led to the French Revolution.