Definition: National Assembly (scroll down for answer)       Definition: National Assembly, June 17, 1789 France was spending more money than it had. When Louis XVI asked the Estates General (representatives from the three estates) for more tax revenue, the Third Estate became enraged. Though comprised of 98% of the people, they had the same amount of representatives as the other two estates. To make matters worse, each estate only had one vote. This meant that the First and Second Estates could always outvote the Third Estate. Enraged by the structure, and inspired by Enlightenment ideas, the Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly that could pass laws for the people. Click here for next flash card.      Back to eFlashcard headquarters