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How was the Second Empire governed during Napoleon III's authoritarian years?

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Portrait of Napoleon III in a dark military uniform with gold epaulettes, a red sash, and medals, set against a deep red background. Painted by Hippolyte Flandrin. — Napoleon III Napoleon III, detail of a portrait by Hippolyte Flandrin, 1862; in the Versailles Museum.

During the initial years of the Second Empire (1852–1859), Napoleon III governed through an authoritarian regime that consolidated power in his own hands while maintaining the outward appearance of democratic institutions.1

Following his 1851 coup d’état, Napoleon III established a new constitution that restored universal suffrage, which he utilized to secure public approval for his rule through frequent plebiscites. Despite these votes, the government functioned with strict control over political life:2

Centralized Authority: Napoleon III appointed his own cabinet members, who were responsible to him rather than to the legislature.2
Suppression of Opposition: Political liberties were restricted, and the regime actively deprived Republicans of government positions.2
Legislative Control: While the Corps Législatif existed, its authority was limited, and the emperor frequently bypassed parliamentary processes to govern through direct orders to his ministers.23
Public Image: The emperor cultivated his popularity by positioning himself as a "strong man" capable of ensuring order and prosperity, effectively marginalizing political parties and dissenters.2

This authoritarian structure remained largely intact until 1859, when the emperor began a gradual shift toward a more liberalized empire.41