When the National Assembly broke off from the Estates-General, what was the assembly's intent?

A. To achieve genuine government reform

B. To start a revolution

C. To demand the separation of church and state

D. To create a constitutional monarchy

Answer

The correct answer is A. To achieve genuine government reform.

Explanation:

The National Assembly was formed in 1789 by representatives of the Third Estate (commoners) after they broke away from the Estates-General. Their aim was to address the grievances and demands of the common people, focusing on issues such as representation and rights within the government. They sought to create a more equitable system and were primarily motivated by the goal of genuine reform in the French governmental structure.

While the formation of the National Assembly did contribute to the revolutionary events that followed, including the eventual establishment of a constitutional monarchy and significant social changes, their initial intent focused on reform rather than outright revolution or separation of church and state. Therefore, answer A best captures the primary goal of the assembly at that time.