Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen: Rights and Privileges Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Article.Sentence)

Quote #4

A common contribution is essential for the maintenance of the public forces and for the cost of administration. This should be equitably distributed among all the citizens in proportion to their means. (13.1-2)

It turns out people don't have the right to not pay taxes; this is going to come as a surprise to a lot of nobles who haven't ever had to pay them before.

Quote #5

All the citizens have a right to decide, either personally or by their representatives, as to the necessity of the public contribution; to grant this freely; to know to what uses it is put; and to fix the proportion, the mode of assessment and of collection and the duration of the taxes. (14.1)

People now have the privilege of electing representatives to government and the right to pay fair taxes. They no longer have the privilege of a title that exempts them from taxes, or the right to literally lord over people.