The Clergy belonged to which estate and did not pay taxes?

The Clergy belonged to which estate and did not pay taxes?

• A. 2nd Estate
• B. 1st Estate
• C. 3rd Estate
• D. Sans Culottes

Answer: (B)

Under the old regimens of France, society was organized into estates. The Clergy made up the First Estate and held privileges that included exemption from most of the state taxes, like the taille. They funded themselves through tithes to the Church rather than paying the same taxes as commoners. The vast majority of the tax burden fell on the Third Estate, while the Second Estate (the Nobility) enjoyed privileges as well, but not the same tax load as the Third. Sans-culottes were a radical group within the Third Estate, not a separate estate. So the Clergy belonged to the First Estate and did not pay taxes in the same way as others, making this the best answer.

Under the old regimens of France, society was organized into estates. The Clergy made up the First Estate and held privileges that included exemption from most of the state taxes, like the taille. They funded themselves through tithes to the Church rather than paying the same taxes as commoners. The vast majority of the tax burden fell on the Third Estate, while the Second Estate (the Nobility) enjoyed privileges as well, but not the same tax load as the Third. Sans-culottes were a radical group within the Third Estate, not a separate estate. So the Clergy belonged to the First Estate and did not pay taxes in the same way as others, making this the best answer.