CONSULATE (Fr. mislaid). The form of government in France from 1799 to 1SO4. After the sudden overthrow of the Directory on the 18th Brumaire (November 9, 1799), the members of the Council of Ancients and the Five Hun dred, or rather such of them as approved of that act of violence on the part of Bonaparte, ap pointed three Consuls—Sieyes, Bonaparte, and Roger Discos. SieyZ.s and Dueos were quietly got rid of by pensions and Cambac6res and Le brun took their places. This approach to a monarchical government was confirmed Decem ber 24, 1799, by the Constitution of the Year by which Bonaparte was made First Con sul. The Consuls were elected by the Senate for ten years, and were eligible for reelection. There was a Conservative Senate (s•at conservateur) of some sixty members appointed for life. a Tri bunate of 100 members, and a Legislative Assem bly of 300; hut their powers were very limited, while those of the First Consul were made al most absolute. lie promulgated laws and ap
pointed or dismissed ministers, ambassadors, members of the Council of State, military and naval officers, and all civil and criminal judges, excepting justices of peace and members of the Court of Cassation. Bonaparte at once took up his residence at the Tuileries, and held a splen did Court. in Slay, 1802, he was reelected for ten years. and in August of the same year was made First Consul for life. Nothing but the imperial name and insignia were wanting to complete the picture of absolutism, and these were supplied Slay IS, 1804, when Napoleon •a made Emperor. Consult: Les constitu tions de In Pruner (Paris, 1575-50) ; Tillers, Ilistoire du ronsulat ct dr rempire (Paris. 1545 6'_') ; and the various lives of Napoleon, the me moirs of the time, and general histories. See FRANCE: NAPOLEON 1.