French Constitution of 1791

The French Constitution of 1791, adopted by the National Assembly on September 3, 1791, established France's first written constitution after the collapse of absolute monarchy. The constitution transformed France into a constitutional monarchy, creating a Legislative Assembly and limiting King Louis XVI's authority. It implemented civil equality for male citizens meeting tax qualifications and established separation of powers. The constitution lasted less than a year as the French Revolution continued, but represented a shift from absolutism toward constitutionalism in Europe.