Which estate included nobles and enjoyed many privileges and exemptions from taxes?

• A. First Estate
• B. Third Estate
• C. Second Estate
• D. Bourgeoisie

Answer: (C)

In the old French social system, power and privilege were tied to one of three estates. The nobles formed the Second Estate, and they enjoyed many privileges, including exemptions from taxes and special legal and political rights that kept them largely separate from the burden faced by others. The First Estate was the clergy, who also had privileges but did not comprise the noble class, while the Third Estate encompassed everyone else, including peasants, workers, and the Bourgeoisie (a wealthy subset of the Third Estate). Because the question highlights nobles and their tax exemptions, the estate that fits best is the noble estate—the Second Estate.