Why did privileged orders have an interest in preserving the Old Regime?

Because the Old Regime protected their exemptions and high status

Under the Old Regime, the First Estate, consisting mainly of clergy, and the Second Estate, consisting of nobles, enjoyed important privileges. These included social prestige, access to high offices, and in many cases exemption from or reduction of direct taxes. The political and legal structure protected their inherited position, so reform based on equality and common taxation threatened their wealth and influence. Therefore option B is correct: privileged orders had a direct material and social interest in preserving the existing system. Option A is the opposite of the historical situation. Option C is incorrect because they did not generally seek membership in the burdened Third Estate, and option D falsely describes their class position.

This is a Class 9 History question. Chapter: The French Revolution. Topic: French Society During the Late Eighteenth Century.