Chapter IV: The Labours of the Constituent Assembly 71-97

Inclination of the Assembly to follow out its theories
blindly without regard to consequences.--Hopes of a
strong Government frustrated by the decree of the 7th
November.--Results of that decree.--Jealousy of the
Executive.--New system of local government.--Its defects.--Power
concentrated in the new municipalities.--Burdensome
nature of the duties imposed on active citizens.--The
two decrees imposing qualifications for the franchise
and for office.--Judicial reforms.--Military and naval
changes.--The Assembly's determination to make everything
elective.--Church policy.--Confiscation of Church
property.--Civil Constitution of the Clergy.--Criticism of
it.--Consequences of the schism in the Church.--Financial
policy of the Assembly.--Necker's measures.--Increasing
embarrassments of the State.--Origin of the Assignats.--Their
subsequent history and depreciation.--Inadequate
attempts made by the Assembly to balance its income
and expenditure.--Its cowardly finance.--Criticism of its
action.