Features of the Constitution of 1791:

The Constitution of 1791 was a milestone in the history of France as it established the constitutional monarchy and laid the foundation for a new system of governance. It was formed by the National Assembly, which sought to limit the powers of the monarchy and provide more rights and freedoms to the French citizens. Some key features of the Constitution of 1791 are:

1. Division of Powers:
The Constitution of 1791 aimed to establish a system of checks and balances by dividing powers among different institutions. The legislative power was vested in the National Assembly, consisting of the King, the Legislative Assembly, and the judiciary. The King retained executive powers, while the Legislative Assembly had the authority to make laws. This separation of powers ensured that no single entity could dominate the decision-making process.

2. Constitutional Monarchy:
The Constitution of 1791 established a constitutional monarchy in France. It limited the powers of the King and introduced a new title, "King of the French," instead of "King of France." The King became a ceremonial figurehead with limited executive powers, and the real authority shifted to the Legislative Assembly. This marked a significant departure from the absolute monarchy that had prevailed before the revolution.

3. Protection of Civil Rights:
The Constitution of 1791 enshrined certain civil rights and liberties for the French citizens. It guaranteed equality before the law, freedom of speech, press, and religion. The rights to property, security, and resistance to oppression were also recognized. These provisions aimed to provide citizens with basic freedoms and protect them from arbitrary actions by the state.

4. Limited Suffrage:
The Constitution of 1791 introduced a limited form of suffrage. Only active citizens, defined as adult men who paid a certain amount of taxes, were granted the right to vote. This excluded a significant portion of the population, including women, the poor, and those who did not meet the property requirements. Nevertheless, it represented a significant step towards a more inclusive political system.

5. Centralized Administration:
The Constitution of 1791 aimed to establish a more centralized administration by dividing France into departments and districts. The country was divided into 83 departments, each with its own administration and elected officials. This system aimed to streamline governance and promote uniformity across the nation. It also paved the way for the modern administrative structure that exists in France today.

In conclusion, the Constitution of 1791 introduced significant reforms in the governance of France. It established a constitutional monarchy, protected civil rights, and divided powers among different institutions. Although it had limitations, such as limited suffrage, it marked a significant shift towards a more democratic and inclusive system of government.