Napoleon Bonaparte consolidated power following the French Revolution primarily through the emergence of the Catholic Church as a powerful force. After the chaotic period of the Revolution, he established the Concordat of 1801, which reconciled the French state with the Catholic Church, restoring some stability and gaining support from religious groups. This alliance helped legitimize his rule and provided a level of social order in a time of upheaval.
The other options, such as the creation of a parliamentary system or greater political control for the lower classes, were less influential in his consolidation of power. Napoleon's rise was characterized by a centralization of authority and the establishment of a strong, autocratic leadership rather than a significant expansion of political power among the lower classes or traditional parliamentary structures.