Some reforms made by the National Constituent Assembly were significant in furthering France economically, socially and democratically - many of the reforms made in this period still exist. The financial crises of the 1780's did not magically disappear when the feudal system was abolished. In fact, France's financial situation was becoming worse, with prices of bread and flour at an all time high. The Constituent Assembly, eager to solve France's economic problem, brought in a new currency, called the Assignats. Effectively, each Assignat was an ownership right to a piece of land, a kind of collateral from the government. Most of the land had previously been owned by the Church, but was forfeited to the State under the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, an act that proclaimed the Clergy had to swear allegiance to the State, rather than the Pope, and therefore all their property and wages were put under State control. It was one of the most successful reforms, as the new currency stabilized the economy for a critical period of time, and released the pressure that was on France, financially. It was also during this period that the 'trial by jury' system was introduced, a system that still exists today. Twelve citizens were used as a jury to decide on the guilt or innocence of their peers, in a public trial. It was a giant step towards the democratic system of government that is used in the modern world.
On August 4 1789, the Declaration of the Rights of Man was proclaimed. It was an almost radical declaration, based on freedoms and human rights, and with it came the abolition of Feudal privileges. It included freedom of conscience and freedom of opinion, as well as protection of property, equality of taxation and equality before the law. Freedom of press was also introduced, and for the first time, journalists were writing unbiased articles and pamphlets. The highest offices in public life, such as politics, law and the army, were made open to any men of ability, which encouraged a sense of patriotism. The reforms made over 1790 and 1791 were prosperous, but the Constituent Assembly should have known that you can only satisfy some of the people some of the time, never all of the people, all of the time. Most of the reforms made, seemed democratic, but were really just keeping the power in the hands of the Bourgeoisie - who had sacrificed many people’s beliefs and traditions to fulfill their own goals. Soon enough, and among many groups of society, a great cloud of discontent began to emerge. A growing discontent, along with a decreasing sense of unity, will always act as a catalyst, in a nation seeking change.
Hence, the National Constituent Assembly had established important reforms but it had failed to solve the economic crisis that began the original revolt of the French people. The varying discontent it had created amongst different groups of society, far overshadowed those who were satisfied with the changes. Much discontent, amongst many people, is dangerous when there is no common destination. So many demands, with so few answers, meant the revolution had to continue.