Ve République - government and politics of France Flashcards
Why was DG obsessed with the idea of being Independent as a State?
Because they had previously had to rely on American and British forces for Liberation and In Algeria
Which Prime Ministers fitted the idea that they were there fir short term social and economic progress rather than the longterm destiny of France?
PMs such as Chirac, Cresson under Mitterand and Juppé
Which Prime Ministers played influential roles outside of what was typically expected of the role?
Debré and chaban-Delmas who gave his societal reforms the name of a New Society- this was under Pompidou and it split their relationship
Mauroy did what in his Premiership?
He actively helped to unify the communist and social parties
What were Rocards success’ under Mitt?
He settled problems in new Caledonia made very successful widespread social reforms
Who gives a vote of confidence in the government when asked by the PM?
The NA
Who is the only person with power to initiate legislation?
The PM
Who else apart from DG dissolved NA?
Mitterand
How many members of the CC can the President nominate?
3
What is the President’s relationship with Parliament?
He doesn’t step inside Parliament but can question the laws and ask for them to be reconsidered
The role of the President in terms of Foreign Policy
head of the Army
chief negotiator of Treaties
Article 5 states he is Responsible for Frances Territorial integrity
Which part of the Matignon machine is responsible for the main bulk of coordination within government?
The réunion interministérielles- ad hoc meetings
Who supports the President at the Élysée?
the secretary-General
Who assists the PM at Matignon?
A series of Junior Ministers
Two examples of how publicity can influence the image of the President
DG failure in May 68
Chirac success in world cup win welcoming 98
What political weight does the role of Presidency in terms of legitimacy?
he is elected by the whole country whilst in times of cohabitation the PM also fills this role
How did PMs and the Presidents ensure their power locks?
They would bring political networks to power with them for example De Gaulle brought with him those who had supported him during the resistance
They could also use patronage to ensure a good following
How did Mitterand control the influence of the PCF?
He brought in politicians of the PCF but limited their positions to central ministers early on, rather than initiate a full scale coalition
Who determines the size and shape of the government? and give examples of how they do so
the President
eg Giscard appointed junior ministers to tackle issues such as penal reform and women’s rights
Who determines political balance?
the President, Giscard only included 4 Gaullists in his 1974 government
Who are ministers responsible to?
The President
Role of the President in Policy making
PM controls the implementation of the documents whilst the President signs many of the major decrees
The President in this respect is the government spokesperson
Give an example of how the President is often the final court of appeal for policies
Rocard was asked to recalculate the Budget
Notable foreign policy in Middle east under De Gaulle
he refuse to sell arms to the Israeli government
Chirac’s more notable foreign policy in the far east
he moved closer to building trade deals with rising powers China and Japan
How did Mitterand move away from the Gaullist Defence policies of his predecessors?
He signed the nuclear test Treaty in 1992
What were Chiracs defence policy moves that also signalled a move away from Guallist stances?
He ended conscription and professionalized the armed forces
Major reforms under Chirac
reformed the Justice system so that the judicial court wasn’t as close to the justice ministry
Circumstantial changes under Giscard
he decided to pass an education act that promoted social equality
What roles do the President and PM share?
the right to refer a bill to the constitutional council
Who can initiate an extraordinary session of Parliament?
the Prime Minister- does in this sense separate himself from the rest of government
Ambiguity in the appointments of defence?
they share the role of appointments for defence
Who has the right to start any constitutional amendment?
the President initiates this process
Deciding of ambassadors belongs to who and why?
the President because it ties in with their Foreign policy and Image
