I.
The ancient divisions of our Realm into Provinces shall continue, though all feudal relation connected therewith shall hereby cease.
The internal administration of the provinces shall be uniform; and "they shall have more freedom than any among them has hitherto enjoyed."
No landed property shall be exempt from the common burdens:
"Et que la noblesse, quelque ancienne qu'elle soit, ni aucun emploi, charge ni dignité, soit un titre pour dispenser nos sujets de payer les impositions réelles et personnelles."
II.
The subsisting divisions of the Provinces into districts "of greater or less extent" shall remain very much as before. They shall retain their ancient usages, but notwithstanding shall be mutually independent in respect of administration.
III.
Each District shall be further subdivided into cities, boroughs, and parishes (or divisions composed of several villages); and each of these subdivisions shall have its own officers charged with matters of finance and police. These officers shall be chosen from among the persons living, and holding property, in the place itself. The election shall take place in an annual meeting (assemblée) convened for the purpose.
IV.