The Council of Ancients was a key legislative body in post-revolutionary France, established during the French Directory period. Here are some detailed insights into its history and function:
The Council of Ancients was created by the Constitution of Year III, which was ratified on August 22, 1795. This constitution established a bicameral legislative system following the end of the French Revolution and the dissolution of the National Convention.
The council consisted of 250 members, all over the age of 40, which was intended to ensure a body of experienced and presumably more moderate legislators. Members were chosen from a list of candidates selected by the Council of Five Hundred.
The primary role of the Council of Ancients was to review and accept or reject legislation proposed by the Council of Five Hundred. They could not amend bills but could approve or veto them. This provided a check on the more revolutionary elements of the legislative process, aiming to temper the radicalism of the Revolution's immediate aftermath.
While the Council of Ancients had significant power in theory, its influence was often overshadowed by the French Directory, the executive branch, which held considerable sway over both councils. The council's conservative stance often led to tensions, especially during times of political instability.
The Council of Ancients played a role in the Coup of 18 Fructidor in 1797, where it was manipulated by the Directory to purge royalist members. Its existence was further destabilized by the Coup of 18 Brumaire in 1799, orchestrated by Napoleon Bonaparte, which effectively ended the Directory and led to the establishment of the French Consulate.
The Council of Ancients was dissolved when Napoleon took power, marking the transition to a more centralized and autocratic form of government. Its functions were absorbed by the Senate of the First French Empire.
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