The process of developing modern electoral law begins with the fundamental changes of the political system that occurred as a result of the outbreak of the French Revolution. The article shows the breakthrough moment – the resurrection of the Estates General, the fight for a fairer third estate representation system – (the bourgeoisie and the peasants represented 96% of the nation) and then the creation of a new census suffrage system that effectively suppressed the hopes of radical democrats. The concept of active and passive citizenship, developed by EmmanuelJoseph Sieyès, consolidated the political achievements of the bourgeoisie and was adopted in the first constitution of France in 1791.