The formation of the National Assembly is a landmark in the history of the French Revolution. It played a prominent role in establishing law and order in the country.

It not only uprooted the absolute monarchy from France but also sealed the fate of the nobles and the clergy, the privileged classes.

The National Assembly was formed on 23rd June 1789 by the Estates General and King Louis XVI was forced to recognise it, the recognition being granted to it on 27th June 1789.

There were severe problems before the National Assembly after its recognition by the king. It had to pay due attention towards those demands which were referred to in the Cahiers and it had to prepare a constitution according to the Oath of Tennis Court.

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It was really a very difficult job because the National Assembly had to construct a palace of democracy on the remains of the absolute monarchy and as the National Assembly devoted enough of its time and energies in framing a constitution for the country; it came to be known as the National Constituent Assembly.

On the basis of early discussion in the Assembly two different parties came into existence, known as (i) the Rightists, and (ii) the Leftists.

Among the prominent members of the rightist party the names of Abbe Maury, Cazeles, Abbe de Montesquieu, Malouet and Mirabeau need special mention.

Laly Tollendal, Talleyrand, Clermont Tonn and Robespierre formed the leftist party. Besides them, Barnav, Lameth Petion, Bazot, and Bailley were also illustrious leaders of the contemporary period.