French Government Alex Harde Alex Hardee

Separation of Powers  France’s government is divided into an executive, legislative, and judicial branch, much like the U.S.  The President appoints the Prime Minister, who must be approved by the lower house of parliament, the National Assembly.  President-Jacques Chirac  Prime Minister-Dominique de Villepin

Constitution  The current constitution was established by the Fifth French Republic in 1958; it greatly strengthened the executive branch.  Does not contain a bill of rights, but the preamble states that France should follow the principles of Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, which include equality of citizens under the law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the accountability of the government to the citizens.

Key Figures Jacques Chirac Dominique de Villepin Charles de Gaulle

President (Chirac)  Under the constitution, the President is elected by popular vote. A majority is thus required.  If a President’s opponents control Parliament, his powers are greatly reduced.  Chirac has been President since He was reelected in 2000.

P.M. (Villepin)  The gouvernement is headed by the Prime minister. It is his private office, which includes civil service, the armed forces, and government agencies. Translation=cabinet  The Prime Minister may propose legislation for Parliament’s approval, or he may issue decrees (i.e. executive orders) within certain constraints.  Though appointed by the President, the Prime Minister has greater executive power.

Ministries  Similar to “departments” in the U.S., ministries split responsibility in the executive branch.  Ministry of: Economy, the Interior, Justice, National Education, Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Transportation.  Each Ministry is divided into directions, which are each headed by a minister.

Legislative Branch  Parliament is divided between the National Assembly and the Senate, much like Congress in the U.S.  Parliament meets for one 9-month session each year.  The Senate’s powers are limited; National Assembly has the last word in the event of a disagreement.

Judiciary  France has a Judiciary independent of the Legislative and Executive branches.  It consists of courts, courts of appeal, and the Cour de Cassion is the most powerful court.  Trial by jury is standard; juries are drawn at random.

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