Political body of France?a)Dumab)Reichstagc)Lok Sabhad)Estates General...
Estates-General, also called States General, in France of the pre-Revolutionary monarchy was the representative assembly of the three “estates,” or orders of the realm: the clergy and nobility—which were privileged minorities—and a Third Estate, which represented the majority of the people.
Political body of France?a)Dumab)Reichstagc)Lok Sabhad)Estates General...
The correct answer is option 'D', Estates General.
The Estates General was a political body in France during the Ancien Régime, which refers to the period before the French Revolution. It was an assembly that represented the three traditional estates or classes of French society, namely the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners.
The Estates General played a significant role in the political structure of France and had the power to approve or reject royal decrees and proposed legislation. It was convened by the king and served as an advisory body to the monarchy.
Here is a detailed explanation of the Estates General:
1. Historical Background:
- The Estates General was first convened in 1302 by King Philip IV of France.
- It was initially created as a means for the king to gain support and approval for his policies.
- The assembly consisted of representatives from each of the three estates.
2. Composition of the Estates General:
- The First Estate: This estate represented the clergy, including high-ranking bishops, archbishops, and other church officials. They were responsible for religious and spiritual matters.
- The Second Estate: This estate represented the nobility, which included aristocrats, feudal lords, and members of the royal family. They held significant political and social power.
- The Third Estate: This estate represented the commoners, who constituted the majority of the French population. It included merchants, professionals, peasants, and urban workers.
3. Function and Powers:
- The Estates General had the authority to discuss and deliberate on matters of national importance.
- Each estate had its own separate chamber, and decisions were made by voting within each chamber.
- The Third Estate, representing the majority of the population, often faced challenges in their attempts to assert their influence, as the First and Second Estates could easily outvote them.
4. Role in the French Revolution:
- The Estates General played a crucial role in the lead-up to the French Revolution.
- In 1789, King Louis XVI called for a meeting of the Estates General to address the country's financial crisis.
- The Third Estate, feeling marginalized and representing the grievances of the commoners, declared themselves the National Assembly, leading to the storming of the Bastille and the start of the revolution.
In conclusion, the Estates General was a key political body in France before the French Revolution, representing the three estates of the clergy, nobility, and commoners. It played a significant role in the political structure and decision-making process of the country before the revolution transformed the political landscape.