| CONSTITUTION OF YEAR VIII was put into effect. It was passed by a popular vote but implemented before the results of that vote had been announced. The results (3,011,107 in favor and 1,562 opposed) were considered suspicious—the army did not vote, but its ballots were counted, and the navy voted under dubious circumstances. The constitution established a first consul (Napoleon) with a ten-year term, and two other consuls were appointed by the first consul and had only consultative powers. Notables of the communes were elected by universal male suffrage. These notables elected one-tenth of their number as notables of the departments. One-tenth of the latter became notables for France from whom the senate chose the legislative bodies (Tribunate and Legislature). The Senate was chosen for life by co-option. The Tribunate discussed laws submitted by government but did not vote, whereas the Legislature voted but did not discuss the laws. The constitution had no bill of rights as in earlier revolutionary constitutions. Only inviolability of homes and liberty of the individual were guaranteed. | 3 |
