The political structure of France has its own characteristics that distinguish this country from other states. It has a strong parliament with broad powers. Presidential power is also of great importance. For this reason, France is often referred to as mixed republics, which are characterized by the strengthening of the parliamentary principle, while the role of the head of state increases.
Instructions
Step 1
The highest legislative body in France is the bicameral parliament. The National Assembly is the lower house. Its members are elected by direct vote for a term of five years. The upper house is called the Senate and represents the interests of individual territories of the country. Senators are elected for a nine-year term through indirect elections through the Departmental Collegiums. The French Senate is renewed every three years by one third of its membership.
Step 2
Both chambers of parliament have similar competencies. Differences in their work relate to the sphere of parliamentary control and the specifics of the development of laws. In certain cases, the head of state has the right to dissolve the lower house, but these powers of the president do not extend to the senate. The President of the Senate has a special status and ranks third in the hierarchy of the state after the President and Head of Government. When the vacancy of the head of state is vacated, this place is temporarily occupied by the chairman of the Senate.
Step 3
The divisions of the French Parliament have their own internal regulations, which are based on legislative norms and constitutional provisions. There are factions in both chambers. The main work in parliament is carried out by special commissions created on a permanent or temporary basis. All parliamentary factions are usually represented on each commission.
Step 4
Along with the government, members of parliament have the right to initiate legislation. Each of the adopted laws passes through the respective commissions of the chambers and through three readings in parliament. A law is considered passed if it is approved by both chambers. When disagreements arise between parts of parliament during the discussion of a bill, the law undergoes a lengthy revision until the text is fully agreed.
Step 5
After the laws are passed in parliament, they are considered by the head of state. He can express his disagreement with the draft and send it to legislators for reconsideration. If the bill in its previous version is approved for the second time by both chambers, the President has no right to reject it. This procedure demonstrates the strength of the legislative branch of government, capable of challenging the opinion of the president of the country.
Step 6
Political scientists, referring France to mixed ("semi-presidential") republics, draw attention to the fact that this country has both elements of presidential and parliamentary rule. As a result, power becomes almost equally divided between the head of state and the representative body. The activities of the country's government equally depend on the decisions of the president and parliament.
