The Charter recognized the principles of liberty, equality, property, and freedom of religion, although Catholicism was declared the state religion. The government consisted of a hereditary monarch, a Chamber of Notables nominated by the king, and an elected Chamber of Deputies. Suffrage was extended to men at least 30 years old who paid 300 francs in taxes. These qualifications gave substantial voting power to the upper middle classes and large landowners.
A law against seditious speeches and writings strengthened the gag on the press established on Aug. 8. An amnesty law exiled individuals arrested for their involvement in Napoleon's One Hundred Days.
