UNIT 1
CONSTITUTION OF FRANCE
GENERAL FEATURES: -
1. Written and brief (89 articles 17 chapters)
2. Mixed- Powers are divided into Presidential and Parliamentary
3. Bicameral system- national assembly (lower house) and senate (upper house)
4. Amendment -3/5 (60%)
5. Unitary system- The unitary system has all the powers and delegates its
power to the states.
6. Multiparty system- A multi-party system is a political system where multiple
political parties across the political spectrum run for national election
7. Popular sovereignty- Popular means people and sovereignty means Free to
make external and internal decisions.
8. Preamble- Preamble promotes worlds like liberty, equality and fraternity
Authoritarian-less freedom
9. No rights-preamble (Declaration Human Rights 1789)
10. Secular state
11. Republican Constitution- Country governed by elected representatives
12. Democratic Constitution
13. Constitutional bodies
1. Constitutional Council 2. Economic and Social Council
3. Audit court 4. High court of justice
French executive
Powers and functions of the French President
Executive Powers:
Appoint the Prime Minister and government officials, following the
Prime Minister's advice.
Holds ceremonial functions and presides over various councils and
meetings.
Is the supreme commander of the armed forces and responsible for
defense matters.
Shapes broad policy guidelines and executes important functions related
to war, peace, and foreign policy.
Legislative Powers:
Can convene or adjourn Parliament sessions, address Parliament, and
send messages.
Promulgates laws passed by Parliament within 15 days, but can request
reconsideration if not satisfied.
Can submit government bills to a referendum for approval by the people.
Judicial Powers:
Grants pardons, reprieves, and amnesty to offenders.
Protects the independence of the judiciary and presides over the Higher
Council of Judiciary.
Emergency Powers:
Empowered to take measures during national emergencies, with
consultation, if there's an immediate threat to institutions, national
independence, or international obligations.
Financial Powers:
Provides policy directives for the annual budget prepared by the finance
minister.
If Parliament fails to approve the budget within 70 days, the President can
implement it through ordinances.
