How Did the 1791 Constitution Change the King’s Powers?

The Constitution of 1791 in France drastically limited the powers of King Louis XVI and transformed France into a constitutional monarchy. Before this, the king held absolute power, ruling by divine right. After the French Revolution began, citizens demanded equality, justice, and limits on royal authority. The new constitution established separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. 

The king could no longer make laws; that power shifted to the Legislative Assembly, an elected body. He retained the right to suspend laws temporarily (veto) but could not reject them permanently. He also lost control over the army, taxes, and justice. All decisions required parliamentary approval, making him largely a symbolic figure. Additionally, his ministers became accountable to the Assembly rather than the king himself. 

This reduced royal influence over governance. The constitution aimed to balance monarchy with democracy but failed due to growing mistrust between the king and the revolutionaries. Ultimately, when Louis XVI tried to flee France and was caught, the monarchy’s credibility collapsed. The 1791 Constitution marked the first major step toward modern constitutional government in France, though it lasted only briefly before being replaced in 1792.