The Legislative Assembly originated from the National Assembly. When the National Assembly was dissolved, the Legislative Assembly was created with a promise of equal right and powers. This new government was provided for by the Constitution of 1791 and it went in to effect in October but lasted for less than a year. The revolutionaries had not yet created a reliable government to replace the Old Regime; the Legislative Assembly was just a temporary quick fix.

The Legislative Assembly consisted of a weak executive branch along with a powerful legislature. The minority of the population had elected this authoritative but inexperienced legislature. Three factions, groups of people with differing attitudes sat in the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Assembly would be made up of representatives elected by Electors, who were elected by active citizens: a male citizen who paid annual taxes equal to the local wages paid for three days...