How we cite our quotes: (Article.Sentence)
Quote #1
The representatives of the French people, organized as a National Assembly, believing that the ignorance, neglect, or contempt of the rights of man are the sole cause of public calamities and of the corruption of governments…(Preamble.1)
Oof. Can't you just feel the dissatisfaction? They just called the government out on its corruption and blamed it for everything bad that's ever happened. It's about time someone did. Too bad these guys weren't around before they built Versailles.
Quote #2
[…] In order that the acts of the legislative power, as well as those of the executive power, may be compared at any moment with the objects and purposes of all political institutions and may thus be more respected…(Preamble.1)
Ouch. Yeah, they're saying that the current government (both the lawmaking and law enforcing parts) doesn't respect its intended purpose. That's another burn on them and another wave of discontent from the people.
Quote #3
[…] In order that the grievances of the citizens, based hereafter upon simple and incontestable principles, shall tend to the maintenance of the constitution and redound to the happiness of all. (Preamble.1)
These guys are so dissatisfied with the direction of their government that they're making plans for future complaints. Someday people will be able to just point to the right that was violated from a master list.
Quote #4
The principle of all sovereignty resides essentially in the nation. No body nor individual may exercise any authority which does not proceed directly from the nation. (3.1-2)
The fact that they have to explain this concept should tell you something about how the French people feel about their leaders. They don't have a lot of faith that the king is going to do the right thing. They define sovereignty for him as something that they're a part of too.
Quote #5
A society in which the observance of the law is not assured, nor the separation of powers defined, has no constitution at all. (16.1)
Again: just feel that frustration. This is a mini-list of things France doesn't have and really probably should, like a constitution, separation of powers, and observance of laws.