To the irresistible power of the general he could only oppose the subtlety of a student.

And, indeed, who can picture Bonaparte, the greatest warrior of the age, delegating the control of all warlike operations to a Consul for War while Austrian cannon were thundering in the county of Nice and British cruisers were insulting the French coasts?
It was inevitable that the reposeful Grand Elector should be transformed into the omnipotent First Consul, and that these powers should be wielded by Bonaparte himself.[133] The extent of the First Consul's powers, as finally settled by the joint commission, was as follows.

He had the direct and sole nomination of the members of the general administration, of those of the departmental and municipal councils, and of the administrators, afterwards called prefects and sub-prefects.

He also appointed all military and naval officers, ambassadors and agents sent to foreign Powers, and the judges in civil and criminal suits, except the _juges de paix_ and, later on, the members of the _Cour de Cassation_.

He therefore controlled the army, navy, and diplomatic service, as well as the general administration.