Reichsständen

Reichsstände was a term used in the Holy Roman Empire to denote the constituent bodies that held a vote in the Imperial Diet, the legislative assembly of the Empire. These estates were not individuals but rather corporate entities, such as principalities, bishoprics, imperial cities, and abbeys. Their membership in the Imperial Diet was determined by their status as immediate vassals of the Emperor.

The composition and influence of the Reichsstände evolved over centuries. Initially, the Imperial Diet was a less formal gathering of powerful nobles and bishops. Over time, the right to be summoned and to vote became more formalized. The major categories of Reichsstände included the princely electors, who held the unique right to elect the Holy Roman Emperor, other secular and ecclesiastical princes, counts, lords, and representatives of the imperial cities.

The Imperial Diet was divided into three colleges: the college of electors, the college of princes (both secular and ecclesiastical), and the college of imperial cities. Decisions were typically made by consensus or a majority vote within each college, and then by a majority of the colleges themselves. The Reichsstände played a crucial role in the internal politics and administration of the Holy Roman Empire, particularly in matters of imperial taxation, legislation, and declarations of war. Their collective power significantly influenced the Emperor's authority. The concept of Reichsstände ceased to exist with the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806.