CONSULATE (Lat. consulatus, consulship), (in France). This snpreme magistracy of the French republic was established after the revolution of the 18th Brumaire (q.v.), and lasted to the coronation of Napoleon. On the sudden overthrow of the directory with the constitution of the year III., the members of the council of the ancients and the five hundred, or rather those of them who approved of, or submitted to, that act of violence on the part of Bonaparte's grenadiers, appointed three consuls—Sieyes, Bona• parte, and Boger Hums. This approach to a monarchical government was confirmed, Dec. 13, 1799, by the constitution of the year VIII., by which Bonaparte was made first consul, with Cambaceres and Lebrun as second and third; each was elected for 10 years, and was re-eligible. The powers of the first consul were made almost absolute. He promulgated the laws, appointed or dismissed ministers. ambassadors, members of the
council of state, military and naval officers, and all civil and criminal judges, except justices of peace and members of the court of causation. His income was fixed at 500,000 francs, and that of his inferior colleagues at 350,000 francs each. Bonaparte took up his residence at the Tuileries, and held a splendid court. By resolutions of the senate, in May, 1802, Bonaparte was re-elected for 10 additional years, and in Aug. of the same year was made first consul for life. In the appeal made to the nation, out of 3,577,259 votes, 3,563,885 were in favor of Bonaparte. The adulation of the senate and people now knew no limit. Nothing but the imperial name and insignia were wanting to complete the picture of absolutism, and these were supplied, May 18, 1804, when Napoleon was made emperor.