The Law of Frimaire established what system of governance in France?

The Law of Frimaire, enacted in December 1793, was a pivotal piece of legislation during the French Revolution that established a system of governance characterized by a dictatorship under the Committee of Public Safety. This law effectively centralized power in the hands of the Committee, which aimed to address the severe crisis facing France at the time, including external threats from war and internal division. The Committee of Public Safety assumed broad executive powers to safeguard the Revolution, leading to the implementation of radical policies and practices, including the Reign of Terror.

Under this system, individual rights were often suspended, and political dissent was met with severe consequences, including arrests and executions. The nature of governance during this period was far from democratic, as it did not involve popular elections, and decision-making was concentrated among a select group of leaders rather than being representative of the broader population. The framing of governance as a dictatorship highlights the response to the chaos and instability that plagued France, illustrating how revolutionary ideals sometimes gave way to authoritarian practices in times of crisis.