Well, early Philosophers already proved that people are practically incapable of governing themselves, but is that necessarily true? Many horrible, and incredible events occurred during the French Revolution. The lower classes stood up to the king to be heard, to make their opinions matter, and to make their voices heard. However, the people also needlessly decapitated many with the blade of her Majesty the Guillotine. Perhaps by analyzing a few key events that took place during the French Revolution, we can prove if people can be trusted to govern themselves.
First, let's take the Tennis Court Oath. At this particular event, the lower or, third estate, met together at a nearby tennis court, after being kicked out of the Estates General. The third estate pledged their honor, that they would not disband until they had drawn up a constitution for France. One of the third estate's main wishes was that in the Estates General, there would be no more "vote by order". Meaning that each person's individual vote would count so that the first and second estates aren't making all of the decisions for the country. The third estate began to refer to themselves as the National Assembly. They created and signed the Constitution of 1791, which declared a limited monarchy, and the right to vote for those who paid enough taxes. Now, these people saw a problem with their government, and they decided to change and fix the problem. They also did it with out blood shed, but reasoning, and determination. This is most definitely a situation where the people were rightfully trusted to govern themselves.
Yet another key event in the French Revolution was the Storming of the Bastille. On July 14, 1789, the third estate stormed the Bastille or fortress, because they heard a rumor that gunpowder was contained with in its walls. However, in order to break through the barriers and gate, many people were killed.
