How Did Napoleon Increase His Power By The Creation Of A New French Constitution?

The first real gain for Napoleon on his way to power was the creation of a new constitution. After the newly elected consuls had sworn an oath of alliance to the republic on the night of November 10th 1799, they set to work on it. In order for the constitution to become legal, there had to be a referendum in which an overwhelming majority of voters opted to back it.

Napoleon said the new constitution was "based upon the true principles of representative government and on the sacred rights of property, equality and liberty". However, the reference to a representative government was not reflected as democratic involvement. As a result of Napoleon's election of "first Consul", he soon controlled power and stood alone at the top of the political pyramid. Bonaparte took charge of government appointments, employed and sacked ministers, initiated all legislature through the council of State or Senate and had the power to declare war and make peace.