The French Government System

History of the French Government

Early France was controlled my absolute monarchs, such as kings. This lasted up until the late 18th century when a new government, the National Convention, was formed and ended the monarchy. Watch Committees were in charge of keeping an eye on foreigners and suspects. The Convention made a new constitution in 1794 that formed a bicameral legislature (see legislative branch below) and an executive branch called the Directory. Napoleon made himself emperor of France and made new laws and policies called the Code Napoleon. A new constitution made in 1848 called for an elected assembly and president. The first president was Louis Napoleon. A new constitution, the one still used today, was made in 1958 and established the Fifth Republic of France. Legislative Branch: The lower house of the parliament is the National Assembly, elected by the voters. Their terms are five years. The second house is the Senate, elected by an electoral college. The Senate members serve for six years and one third is elected every three years. Judicial Branch: The judicial branch is mostly independent from the executive and legislative branches. The Minister of Justice is in charge of the justice system. The highest court is the Court of Cassation. The subordinate courts are made up of appellate courts, regional courts, and first instance courts.

French President Franois Hollande

Franois Hollande, Frances 24th president, is the first Socialist president France has seen in 17 years. Hollande was born in 1954, was part of the National Assembly, made chair of the Socialist Party, and was mayor of Tulle. He is described as being far left in his views and wants to face youth unemployment. His policies include increasing taxes on corporations, reducing the retirement age, establishing a public investment bank to promote French industry, and granting marriage and adoptions rights to same-sex couples (biography.com). Although he wants to turn around the economy, the past two years of his presidency have been filled with problems like even more unemploy ment and a new recession. Frances relations with Germany have also gone downhill.

Separation of Powers
Executive Branch: The president, Franois Hollande, is the head of the executive branch, chief of state, and commander of the military. He resides at Elyse Palace (pictured). Presidential terms in France are five years and they can only serve two terms. The Prime Minister, Jean-

Marc Ayrault, was appointed by the president and helps the president form a government. The Council of Ministers, chosen by the Prime Minister, helps make policies.

Made in Office 2007 for office2007.com