 Unlike the coup of June 1798 , the Augereau coup did present a sharp break with the recent past . The new constitution reduced the role of the legislative branch ( which now did not have the right of initiative ) , and expanded the powers of the Executive , which now became known as the Staatsbewind ( Regency of State ) . The elective principle was reduced to a formality : the Staatsbewind , originally consisting of the three directors taking part in the coup , expanded its membership by co @-@ optation to twelve . This executive then appointed the first 35 members of the legislature . As vacancies arose , these were filled , as far as possible , on a provincial rota and according to national quotas of representatives of each province ( much like the old States @-@ General ) . Except for Holland , the old provinces were reconstituted . The local and provincial administrative organs continued to be elected - no longer by universal manhood suffrage , but by a system of census suffrage . 
