Final answer:
The Constitution of 1791 in France created a Legislative Assembly, established the separation of powers, instituted a fairer system of taxation, and granted basic civil rights. However, the king retained significant power including a veto, and political tensions persisted, foreshadowing future turmoil.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Constitution of 1791 was a significant milestone in French history, marking the beginning of France's transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. One of the major changes brought about by this constitution included the establishment of a Legislative Assembly, which replaced the National Constituent Assembly. This new legislative body was responsible for making laws and was elected by active citizens, a group that excluded women, slaves, and those without property.
Another critical aspect of the Constitution of 1791 was the introduction of the separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches. This was designed to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful. Additionally, the constitution put in place a system of taxation that aimed to be fairer and granted citizens basic civil rights and a degree of freedom of press, speech, and assembly, although these rights were not as expansive as those espoused by more radical elements of French society.
Despite these progressive changes, there were still significant limitations. For example, the king retained considerable powers including the ability to veto legislation, and there were ongoing tensions between different political factions, including monarchists and more radical revolutionaries, which would eventually lead to further upheaval and the eventual establishment of the French First Republic.