At expert level what is the most balanced explanation of the Constitution of 1791?

Correct answer: It limited absolutism but also kept political rights limited

The governing concept is the mixed character of the Constitution of 1791: it achieved constitutional limits while preserving social and political exclusions. It transformed France into a constitutional monarchy, separated powers, and restricted the king’s authority. However, political participation was not equal. The distinction between active and passive citizens, together with property-based qualifications, meant that many men could not vote, and women were excluded from formal political rights. Option A is correct because it captures both the achievement and the limitation. Option B wrongly claims universal equal suffrage. Option C is false because the monarchy continued until 1792. Option D is incorrect because the Constitution of 1791 belonged to the National Assembly, not the later National Convention.