Constitution of 1795

The Constitution of 22 August 1795 at the time known as the Constitution of Year III or of the 5th Fructidor. There had been growing discontent in France as the left despaired at the lack of the establishment of equality of opportunity and the continuing problems in supplies of cheap foodstuffs.  Many others remembered the cruelty of the terror and sought a more stable government which would hopefully end the outbursts of revolt and counter revolutionary counterattacks.

It was in this chaotic atmosphere that the National Convention with the assistance (once again) of Sieyès sought to create a Constitution.  To control the excesses of the National Convention there would be a bicameral legislature with a Council of Ancients (who had to be over forty and could reject proposals put forward by the 500 a third of their numbers were replaced annually) and a Council of 500 (acting as the lower house a third of their numbers were replaced annually).  Over this would be a five man Directory (who were chosen by Ancients from a list selected by the 500 one of whom would be retired each year).  This Constitution sought to address the problems associated with previous versions and gave direct permission to halt the freedom of press and end freedom of association.  Suffrage would once again be based on the payment of taxes.