Abstract
The Constituent Assembly is the major political body of the first part of the Revolution which lasted from the 17 June 1789 to the 30 September 1791. The Third Estate first uses the term "Constituent Assembly" after the Tennis Court Oath, in order to replace the term "Estates General", whose mission was only to reform the fiscal system. A constitutional comity was created the 7th July, and the Constituent Assembly was definitively accepted on 9th July, after a vote of the deputies on a programme proposed by Mounier. While its primary mission is to establish a written Constitution, it also holds legislative power. This is why it decides fundamental and huge reforms for the country, in nearly every domain of political and/or religious life. The Constituent Assembly reforms the administration, justice, economy and even some social aspects of the country. The 26 February 1790 decrees generate uniformity, decentralization and independence for local organizations throughout the kingdom. 83 departments, subdivided into districts and cantons, were created. The administration of the department is provided by a local council, whose members are elected for two years, and chosen among the citizens able to elect deputies (according to their wages). The districts are administrated by representatives, also elected for two years. The General Council of the Commune is essentially composed of notables, and is responsible for the administration of towns. Petty bourgeoisie is preponderant at all scales.
