States General were established by the French King Philip IV in 1302-m.This was done in order to get support in the face of powerful classes to deal with Pope Boniface VIII.The States-General had in its composition three chambers, in which sat the townspeople, clergy and nobility.At first, the last two were recruited by King.However, by the end of the XV century, they became elective.
principle decision
History of France states that every issue has been addressed each of the chambers meeting separately.The decision was made by majority vote.Finally, it was argued at the joint meeting of the three chambers.And each of them had only one vote.In such circumstances the privileged classes (nobility, clergy) have always received a majority.They do not have to agree among themselves.
Periodicity of the States-General in France is a permanent organ of parliament in Britain.The frequency of the convocation has not been established.King states gathered at their discretion.The convening of the States General frequently occur during various upheavals and political instability.List of issues to be discussed and determined the duration of the meetings of the King.
main reasons for convening
States General convened in order to express an opinion on estates issues such as a declaration of war, conclusion of peace and other important topics.King occasionally consulted recognize the position of assembly on the various bills.However, the decision of the States General were not binding and were advisory in nature.The most frequent reason for convening meetings of the Crown was an urgent need for money.The French kings often turned to the estates financial assistance.At meetings we discussed regular taxes, which at that time were introduced only one year.Only in the 1439th King Charles VII received approval to levy the permanent collection - Royal tali.However, when it came to any additional taxes need to be collected again the States-General.
relationship between the Crown and the Assembly of the States-General
often turned to the kings with complaints, protests and requests.They have been taken to make different proposals, to criticize the royal officials and the administration.But since there was a direct connection between the requests of the States General, and the results of their vote on the king of the requested funding, the latter is often inferior to them.
Assembly as a whole has not been a common tool of royal power, although it helped it to strengthen its position in the country and intensify.States often opposed by the Crown, not wanting to make her the right decisions.When the estates meeting to show character, monarchs for a long time it was stopped convening.For example, for the period 1468-1560 gg.States were collected only once in 1484-m.
conflict between the monarchy and the States General
Royal power is almost always achieved the necessary decisions by the States General.But this does not mean that the collection is always unconditionally obey kings.The most serious conflict between the monarchy and the states dates back to 1357.It occurred during the urban uprising in Paris, when the king Johann was a prisoner of the British.
in the States-General attended mainly by representatives of the citizens.They have developed a program of reform, which was called "The Great March Ordinance."In exchange for the financing they required the authorities to control the collection of taxes and expenditure carried out the meeting, which was to discuss these issues three times a year without the permission of the king.From the composition of the participants were elected reformers who were granted extraordinary powers: the right to control the activities of royal officials, dismissal and punishment of them (including the death penalty).But the attempt to subjugate the States-General of Finance was not successful.After the suppression of the uprising in Paris and peasant uprisings Jacquerie crown Reformation rejected all demands.
powers of deputies
Elected members have an imperative mandate.Their position on all issues was strictly regulated instruction voters.Once the deputy returning from a particular meeting, he had to report to the electorate.
Local Assembly
In certain regions of the country (Flanders, Provence) at the end of the XIII century.begin to form local estates assembly.At first they were called a consultation of the Parliament or just representatives of the three estates.However, in the XV century behind them firmly entrenched, the term "states".By this time they already had almost all provinces.And in the XVI century, the term "states" began to add the word "provincial".The peasant class in the assembly is not allowed.Kings often opposed some regional states, when they were unduly influenced by the local feudal nobility.For example, in the Languedoc, Normandy and others.
reasons for the loss of the States General of its value
States-General were created in circumstances where the powers of feudal lords were not much less than the power of the king.The meeting was friendly counterweight to the local rulers.At that time they had their own army, minted its own coins, and depended little on the Crown.However, the royal power was strengthened with time.The French monarchy was gradually increased their influence by building a centralized hierarchy.
In the XV century on the basis of the royal curia was established Grand Council, which included Legist and 24 senior representative of spiritual and secular nobility.He planned every month, but the decisions were recommendatory in nature.In the same century, there was the position of lieutenant-general.They are appointed by the King of the representatives of the nobility for the provincial administration or groups balyazhey.Centralization also affected cities.The Kings were able to limit the rights of citizens in different, change the previously published Charter.
Crown also held the unification of the judicial system.This made it possible to reduce the influence of the clergy.Further strengthen the royal authority the right to collect a permanent tax.Charles VII organized a regular army with a clear hierarchy of command and centralized management.And this has led to the fact that medieval France became less dependent on big feudal lords.
in all regions were permanent garrisons and military formations.They were to prevent any disobedience and performances by local feudal lords.Significantly increased influence on public affairs of the Paris parliament.Crown also established a Council of Notables, which sat only the highest representatives of classes (except the peasantry).With his consent, it was possible to introduce new taxes.As a result of the strengthening of royal power in the States-General of France gradually lost its importance.
