The Directory had not, it is true, the right of initiating laws and of arbitrary arrest which the two committees had freely exercised during the Terror.

Its dependence on the Legislature seemed also to be guaranteed by the Directors being appointed by the two legislative Councils; while one of the five was to vacate his office for re-election every year.

But in other respects the directorial powers were almost as extensive as those wielded by the two secret committees, or as those which Bonaparte was to inherit from the Directory in 1799.

They comprised the general control of policy in peace and war, the right to negotiate treaties (subject to ratification by the legislative councils), to promulgate laws voted by the Councils and watch over their execution, and to appoint or dismiss the Ministers of State.
Such was the constitution which was proclaimed on September 22nd, 1795, or 1st Vendemiaire, Year IV., of the revolutionary calendar.

An important postscript to the original constitution now excited fierce commotions which enabled the young officer to repair his own shattered fortunes.