Constitution of 1795 (Year III)

French history

Also known as: 1795, Constitution of, Constitution of Year III

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Article History

Constitution of 1795 (Year III), French constitution established during the Thermidorian Reaction in the French Revolution. Known as the Constitution of Year III in the French republican calendar, it was prepared by the Thermidorian Convention. It was more conservative than the abortive democratic Constitution of 1793. The Constitution of 1795 established a liberal republic with a franchise based on the payment of taxes, similar to that of the Constitution of 1791; a bicameral legislature to slow down the legislative process; and a five-man Directory. The central government retained great power, including emergency powers to curb freedom of the press and freedom of association.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Heather Campbell.