Institutional Form
The Cisalpine Republic was for many years under the domination of the Empire of Austria.The French Republic acquired it by right of conquest. She renounces dominion over it on this day, and the Cisalpine Republic is now free and independent. Recognized by France and by the Emperor, as it will soon be likewise by all of Europe.
The Executive Directory of the French Republic, not content with having expended its influence and the victories of the republican armies to ensure the political existence of the Cisalpine Republic, pushes more faraway its promptnesses; and being convinced that, if liberty is first among all good things, a revolution leaves behind itself the worst of all scourges, now gives to the Cisalpine people its Constitution, which is the result of the knowledge of the most enlightened nation.
From a military regime, the Cisalpine people must therefore pass to a constitutional regime.
In order that this passage shall be effected without disruption, without anarchy, the Executive Directory has decided only this once to appoint the members of the government and of the legislative branch, so that the people shall not, until one year, appoint officials to fill vacant offices according to the Constitution.
In reality, no republics have existed in Italy for many years. The holy fire of liberty was stifled, and the most beautiful part of Europe lived under the yoke of foreigners. It is up to the Cisalpine Republic to show to the world with its wisdom and energy, and with the good organization of its armies, that modern Italy has not degenerated, and that it is still worthy of freedom.
Signed, Bonaparte. —Preamble to the Constitution of the Cisalpine Republic, 20 Messidor, year V (7 July 1797).
The institutions of the new republic were very similar to those of France. The territory was divided into departments which elected the judges of peace, the magistrates and the electors, one for every 200 people having the right to vote. The latter elected two councils: the Consiglio dei Seniori ("Council of the Seniors") and the Gran Consiglio ("Great Council"). The first was initially composed of 40 to 60 members and approved the laws and modifications to the Constitutional Chart. The second initially had from 80 to 120 members and proposed the laws. Both councils discussed treaties, the choice of a Directory, and the determination of tributes. The legislative corps included men like Pietro Verri, Giuseppe Parini and the scientist Alessandro Volta. The electors had to be landowners or wealthy.
The Directory was composed of five directors and represented the executive power: leaders were local politicians like Gian Galeazzo Serbelloni, the first president. The Directory chose its secretary, and appointed the six ministers: for justice, war, foreign affairs, internal affairs, police, and finance. The supreme authority, however, was the commander of the French troops. The republic also adopted the French Republican Calendar.
Each department had its own local directory of five members, as did communes between 3,000 and 100,000 inhabitants. The biggest communes were divided into municipalities, with a central joint commission to handle the general affairs of the cities. The smallest communes were united in districts with a single municipality, with each commune having its own municipal agent.
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