The National Assembly and the Estates General were two distinct legislative bodies in France, especially relevant during the events leading up to the French Revolution. The key difference lies in their composition and function.
The Estates General was a traditional assembly of three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the common people (the Third Estate). It was convened by the king to address specific issues, such as taxation or legislation, but it operated mainly as an advisory body. Each estate had one vote, which often meant that the First (clergy) and Second (nobility) Estates could outvote the Third Estate, leading to significant underrepresentation of the common people’s interests.
In contrast, the National Assembly was formed by the representatives of the Third Estate in June 1789 after they were frustrated by their lack of influence in the Estates General. It marked a pivotal moment in the revolution as the National Assembly proclaimed itself the legitimate representative body of the French people. This assembly sought to establish a new government structure that would be more egalitarian, emphasizing individual rights and the needs of ordinary citizens.
In summary, while the Estates General was an old, traditional assembly with limited power and unequal representation, the National Assembly was a revolutionary body that represented the will of the people and laid the groundwork for modern democracy in France.