It was especially impelled to these measures by the growing fear of socialism. The result was the _coup d'etat_ of the 2nd of December 1851. A detail of some constitutional importance is to be noticed in this period. The _conseil d'etat_, which had remained under the Restoration and the July Monarchy an administrative council and the supreme arbiter in administrative trials, acquired new importance under the Second Republic. The ordinary _conseillers d'etat_ (_en service ordinaire_) were elected by the Legislative Assembly, and consultation with the _conseil d'etat_ was often insisted on by the constitution or by law. This was the means of obtaining a certain modifying power as a substitute for the second chamber, which had not met with popular approval. During its short existence the Second Republic produced many important laws. It abolished the penalty of death for political crimes, and suppressed negro slavery in the colonies. The election of _conseillers generaux_ was thrown open to universal suffrage, and the municipal councils were allowed to elect the _maires_ and their colleagues. The law of the 15th of March 1850 established the liberty of secondary education, but it conferred certain privileges on the Catholic clergy, a clear sign of the spirit of social conservatism which was the leading motive for its enactment. Certain humanitarian laws were passed, applying to the working classes. Constitution of Jan. 14, 1852. Restoration of the Empire. The empire liberal.