“Liberty, Equality and Fraternity” was the motto of the French Revolution, explain why this motto best suited the interests of the common folk during the revolution?
The French Revolution which took place in 1789 was aimed at changing the existing political, social and economic setup of what the revolutionaries called as the Old Regime. The people were divided into three estates. The first estate comprised of the clergy, who were members of the church. The seconRead more
The French Revolution which took place in 1789 was aimed at changing the existing political, social and economic setup of what the revolutionaries called as the Old Regime.
The people were divided into three estates. The first estate comprised of the clergy, who were members of the church. The second Estate was reserved for the nobility who were the members of the upper class aristocracy. The third Estate, biggest in terms of population consisted of different groups like the big businessmen, merchants, layers, officials, peasants, artisans and landless labour and servants.
The estate in which a person belonged describes his rights and duties. The first two Estates were the richest and owned 60 percent of the land. They were also exempted to pay taxes. The Clergy/Church also had the right to collect a tax called tithe which was one-tenth of the produce. The members of the second Estate also enjoyed feudal privileges which they collected in the form of feudal dues from the third Estate. The third Estate suffered from the burden of taxation at multiple levels including tithe, feudal dues and taille, a tax levied by the state.
See less
The rise of populist leaders can significantly impact the stability and functionality of democratic institutions in various ways: Erosion of Democratic Norms: Populist leaders often challenge established democratic norms and institutions. They may undermine checks and balances, weaken the judiciary,Read more
The rise of populist leaders can significantly impact the stability and functionality of democratic institutions in various ways:
Erosion of Democratic Norms: Populist leaders often challenge established democratic norms and institutions. They may undermine checks and balances, weaken the judiciary, and attack the media, all of which can erode the foundational principles of democracy.
Polarization and Division: Populism tends to exacerbate societal divisions by appealing to “us vs. Them” rhetoric. This polarization can strain democratic institutions by creating conflict between different political and social groups, making compromise and effective governance more difficult.
Centralization of Power: Many populist leaders seek to consolidate power by weakening institutions that act as checks on executive authority, such as the judiciary or legislative bodies. This centralization can reduce the effectiveness of democratic oversight and accountability.
Undermining Rule of Law: Populist leaders might prioritize their own agenda over adherence to the rule of law. This can lead to the implementation of policies that are not in line with legal norms or that bypass established legislative processes.
Institutional Instability: The frequent changes in policy direction and leadership style associated with populism can lead to instability. When populist leaders challenge or bypass existing institutions, it can create uncertainty and inconsistency in governance.
Public Trust and Legitimacy: Populist rhetoric often involves criticizing established institutions and democratic processes. This can erode public trust in these institutions and undermine their perceived legitimacy, making it harder for democratic systems to function effectively.
Impact on Electoral Processes: Populist leaders may seek to manipulate or undermine electoral processes to maintain their power. This can involve altering electoral laws, intimidating opponents, or undermining the fairness of elections, which threatens the integrity of democratic processes.
In summary, while populist leaders can sometimes respond to genuine grievances and bring attention to neglected issues, their impact on democratic institutions often involves challenging and destabilizing the norms and structures that underpin democratic governance.
See less