Napoleon's Autocratic Rule

Under Napoleon's rule, he exercised almost complete control over the French government, dominating the executive branch and ruling without serious checks or balances. The legislature was mostly toothless, as Napoleon preferred to rely on his own judgment. The Council of State, similar to a cabinet, played a significant role in proposing legislation, but Napoleon had the final say in signing it into law. The Napoleonic government operated under a strong central authority, with power concentrated in the hands of the Emperor.