These articles, taken in connection with the ancient charters which they expressly upheld, left to the new sovereign no vestige of arbitrary power.

He was merely the hereditary president of a representative republic.

He was to be Duke, Count, Margrave, or Seignior of the different provinces on the same terms which his predecessors had accepted.

He was to transmit the dignities to his children.

If there were more than one child, the provinces were to select one of the number for their sovereign.