- Established a centralized administrative system, abolishing the feudal privileges of the old regime.
- Introduced the Napoleonic Code, a uniform set of laws that simplified and standardized the legal system.
- Appointed prefects (government officials) to oversee the administration of departments (provinces) and ensure efficient governance.
2. Meritocratic Appointments:
- Based promotions and appointments on merit and talent rather than social status or birth.
- Instituted a merit-based civil service, where individuals could rise through the ranks based on their abilities.
3. Local Self-Government:
- Encouraged limited local self-government through elected municipal councils, giving communities a voice in local affairs.
4. Modernization of Administrative Structures:
- Streamlined government bureaucracies, reducing inefficiency and corruption.
- Established specialized ministries to handle various aspects of governance (e.g., finance, interior, justice, etc.).
5. Educational Reforms:
- Overhauled the education system, establishing lycées (state-funded secondary schools) to provide quality education to all social classes.
- Promoted scientific and technical education to foster innovation and industrial development.
6. Religious Policies:
- Signed the Concordat of 1801 with the Catholic Church, regulating the relationship between church and state.
- Allowed religious freedom for Protestants and Jews but maintained Catholicism as the dominant religion.
7. Judicial Reforms:
- Introduced the concept of judicial independence and separation of powers, strengthening the judiciary.
- Established a system of courts with clear hierarchies and standardized procedures.
8. Economic Reforms:
- Implemented protectionist policies to support domestic industries, aiming for economic self-sufficiency.
- Promoted infrastructure development, such as road construction and public works projects.
- Enacted fiscal reforms to ensure financial stability.
9. Napoleonic Constitution:
- Created a new constitution that outlined the structure and powers of the government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
- Consolidated Napoleon's authority as emperor while retaining some democratic principles.
10. Military Occupation:
- In some conquered territories, Napoleon directly imposed French laws, institutions, and practices, particularly in areas where local resistance was weak.