Final answer:
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy had profound effects, including the secularization of church property, a schism within the church, and the laicization of French society, all of which weakened the church's influence and laid the groundwork for a secular French Republic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy was a significant piece of legislation during the French Revolution that had long-lasting effects on the relationship between the church and the state. One of the most profound long-term effects was the secularization of church property, which weakened the economic power of the church and resulted in the redistribution of church lands. Additionally, the requirement for clergy to take an oath of allegiance to the state led to a schism within the church, as many clergy members refused to comply, causing a division between constitutional clergy who supported the Revolution and the non-juring clergy who remained loyal to the Papacy.
This division had deep political implications, influencing the relationship between the French state and the Catholic Church for years to come. It laid the foundation for the laicization of French society, a process by which religious influences are removed from public affairs, greatly altering the French cultural landscape. The reforms also set a precedent for state control over church affairs, influencing future legislation and the eventual establishment of a secular French Republic.