The President of the Republic is the head of State and is elected for five years by direct universal suffrage. The President appoints the Prime Minister, and the Government determines and conducts the policy of the nation. Parliament votes the laws and monitors the Government; it has two assemblies, the National Assembly, with 577 deputies elected directly, and the Senate, which represents the territorial authorities. The Constitutional Council checks that laws respect the Constitution of the Fifth Republic of 1958, founded by General de Gaulle. At local level there are 13 regions in metropolitan France, 101 départements, each with a préfet representing the State, and the communes led by a mayor. You can vote from 18 once registered on the electoral roll.
What you'll learn
- The President: term, election and powers, and who appoints the Prime Minister
- The two assemblies of Parliament and how members are chosen
- The Constitutional Council and the Constitution of 1958
- Regions, départements, communes, the préfet and the mayor
A sample question from the bank
Question : Combien de temps dure le mandat du Président de la République ? Réponse : 5 ans.
Question : Quelles sont les deux assemblées du Parlement français ? Réponse : L’Assemblée nationale et le Sénat.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Prime Minister elected?
No. The President of the Republic appoints the Prime Minister.
Who can vote in France?
French citizens aged 18 or more who are registered on the electoral roll.