French Revolution- The Parlements

When and why did LXVI recall the parlements?

In 1774 because he was in need of guidance and advise + he wanted to please the public, appearing a ruler willing to take advice

What was the class-composition of the parlements like and why?

Nobility (noblesse du robe) -- this is because they get their posts through venality (fiercely protective of their vested interests)

How did the parlements show a lack of separation of powers?

They played a judicial role, but also a legislative one through remonstrance-- showing a fusion of powers

Which philosophe were the parlements inspired by and what was their attitudes towards monarchy?

Montesquieu-- they are supported of CM but a system of government which elevates their power

What kind of legislative areas would be parlements be able to issue remonstrance on?

Things to do with finances and taxes

How did the parlements have a role in the local government?

They oversaw local government functions in their areas

What political role did the parlements present themselves as having?

They were defenders against tyranny/ministerial despotism-- enlightened and they tempered absolutist power

Was the parlements presentation of themselves as defenders against tyranny genuine?

In reality they were motivated by protecting their vested interests and privileges

Which two of Turgot's six edicts in 1776 did the parlements block the passage of through remonstrance?

The edict abolishing corvee (corvee would have had to be replaced with a tax-- they don't enjoy that) and the edict abolishing guilds (elite trade unions)

How was LXVI able to pass Turgot's six edicts?

Through issuing a lit de justice and pushing them through the parlements

When did LXVI bring the Paris parlement to Versailles and lecture them into consenting to borrowing much needed loans?

1785

From 1774-1789, how many times did LXVI use lettres de cachet?

14,000

Which of LXVI's more despotic powers did the parlements curtail/limit the power of in 1784?

Lettres de cachet was limited by the parlements ('defenders against tyranny')

On what three occasions was popular support for the parlements demonstrated?

1) Crowds assembled at the palais royale in July 1787 in support of the parlements refusing to pass Brienne's reforms

2) Popular disturbances in support of the parlements when they are exiled by LXVI to Troyes

3) National riots and demonstrations after the May Edicts

Which edict did the parlements push through in 1787, showing they were not always obstructive?

The Edict of Toleration

How did the parlements justify their refusal to pass Brienne's removal of tax exemptions and implementation of land tax in July 1787?

They were aware that the introduction of a landed tax would alter the fabric of French society-- they argued they did not have the authority to issue such significant change and that an E-G should be called to do this

When did LXVI exile the Paris Parlement to Troyes after public demonstrations in their support?

August 1787

When did LXVI recall the parlements to a seance royale after their exile in August 1787?

November 1787

What is the outcome of the Nov 1787 seance royale?

LXVI forced through the approval of a loan with lit de justice BUT in return he promises to call an E-G by 1792 + Duc d Orleans exiled through lettres de cachet

When did the parlements issue the Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom?

May 1788

How did the Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom challenge/limit the power of LXVI?

It said that tax reforms could only be passed by an estates-general

How did LXVI respond to the Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom?

He arrested the members of the parlements + he issued the May Edicts

What did the May Edicts do?

Stripped the power of the parlements and placed them with a new court of nobles + reduced the number of magistrates on the paris parlement

When was the Day of Tiles (Aristocratic Revolt)? What was it?

7th June 1788-- part of backlash of the clash between LXVI and parlements, 4 people die as the army try to put down the disturbances

What fraction of the don gratuit did the 1st estate pay in support of the parlements?

1/4

What forced LXVI to finally rescind on the May Edicts?

In August 1788 France is declared bankrupt-- LXVI is weakened by this, speeding up the meeting of the E-G and he succumbs to demands to bring back the parlements

In what way were the parlements obstructive in 1786?

They were blocking any legislative or loan attempts to fix the debt

How did many of the parlement magistrates get into their positions?

Through venality

What role did the parlements sometimes have in local government?

Controlling guilds, corporations and local govt finances and law and order