But as the resulting councils and parliamentary bodies had only the shadow of power, the whole apparatus was but an imposing machine for winnowing the air and threshing chaff.
The First Consul secured few additional rights or attributes, except the exercise of the royal prerogative of granting pardon.

But, in truth, his own powers were already so large that they were scarcely susceptible of extension.

The three Consuls held office for life, and were _ex officio_ members of the Senate.

The second and third Consuls were nominated by the Senate on the presentation of the First Consul: the Senate might reject two names proposed by him for either office, but they must accept his third nominee.

The First Consul might deposit in the State archives his proposal as to his successor: if the Senate rejected this proposal, the second and third Consuls made a suggestion; and if it were rejected, one of the two whom they thereupon named must be elected by the Senate.