France Political System

Question 1

Form of government

Answer 1

Unitary semi-presidential republic

Question 2

Executive

Answer 2

Semi- presidential. President no more than 2x 5 year terms, governing with PM who leads council of ministers. NO vice-president.

Question 3

Legislature

Answer 3

Bicameral Parliament: Lower chamber is the National assembly. Upper chamber is the senate which is elected through local government.

Question 4

Judiciary

Answer 4

Consitiutional council has power of judicial review, 9 members 3 members appointed each by president, senate and national assembly.

Question 5

Electoral System

Answer 5

Two-round system for presidential andlegislative elections, majority vote needed for victory in first round.

Question 6

Parties

Answer 6

Multi-party.
Left: Socialists are dominant, then Greens
Centre/Right: Republicans dominate and centrist party ‘EnMarche’ (Macron)

Question 7

Key Characteristics of French Political system: (3)

Answer 7

1. Separation of powers (president appoint the government)
2. Government dualism - pres. and PM
3. Balance of power- in favor of government NOT parliament

Question 8

Power of president

Answer 8

1. President is not held accountable
2. Mode of dismissal; haute trahison (not defined)
3. Powers: Appoints PM, trigger referendum, dissolve national assembly, can instore a temporary dictatorship in specific conditions

Question 9

Parliament

Answer 9

1. Bicameralism (in favor of the national assembly, the lower)
2. National Assembly: 577mps, 2 round 12.5% of vote in 1st, in charge of budgeting, can overthrow the government
3. Senate: indirectly elected (mainly right wing reps), 348 s, cant be dissolved, replaces president if P is unable to act