The French government is a semi-presidential system that values the separation of powers and citizen freedoms. It has three branches: presidential, legislative, and judicial. Political parties form coalitions, and all citizens over 18 can vote. The prime minister is approved by the National Assembly and makes executive decisions subject to review.
The French system of government is a semi-presidential system that places a high value on the separation of powers, along with freedoms for citizens. The 1958 Constitution establishes most of the principles that govern the country, with periodic additions to keep it current and useful. Although the French Constitution does not specifically include a Bill of Rights, the “Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen”, written in 1789, is mentioned in the Constitution. This document played an important role in the French Revolution, enunciating rights and principles deemed vital to live happily and freely. The nation’s motto is liberte, egalite, fraternite, which translates as “liberty, equality, brotherhood.”
Three different branches make up the French government: the presidential branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. The powers of the presidential branch are divided between the president and a prime minister whom he or she appoints. The legislative branch is divided into a National Assembly, voted for by the population, and a Senate, appointed by an electoral college. The judicial branch is quite complex and extensive, with a Court of Cassation serving as the court of last resort and a Council of State for judicial review and interpretation of laws.
Multiple political parties work together under the French system of government. They often form cooperative coalitions to accomplish things they wouldn’t be able to do individually. Two grand coalitions represent parties on the left and right, and usually one controls the government in any given period of time. The different parties within the government allow for a wider range of ideas within the government, leading to more progressive legislation and reform.
All French citizens over the age of 18 can vote in elections. Convicted felons may have reduced voting rights under certain circumstances. To run for public office, a citizen must be a registered voter, and committing certain crimes can prevent someone from running. The president is elected for a five-year term, as are the members of the National Assembly. Senators are appointed for six-year terms, with one-third of the Senate rotating at a time.
The prime minister is an interesting figure in the French system of government. To serve, he must be approved by the National Assembly, which can oust both the president and prime minister in one vote. This can sometimes lead to a situation where the president and prime minister have different party beliefs, to suit the National Assembly. The prime minister makes a number of executive decisions, which are subject to review by other branches.
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