Institutional and political system

France separates power into three branches:

• Executive power — The President and the Government. They apply and enforce laws.
• Legislative power — Parliament votes laws.
• Judicial power — Judges deliver justice and protect freedoms.

The President does not have all powers. They are separated and balanced.

The President is elected by universal suffrage for 5 years and lives at the Élysée Palace. The President appoints the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister leads the government.

If a minister breaks the law, that person can be judged like any citizen.

Parliament = National Assembly + Senate.

National Assembly: 577 deputies, elected by citizens for 5 years. They vote laws and oversee the government.

Senate: senators are elected indirectly for 6 years.

Voting age: 18 years old. Voters must be registered on the electoral roll.

Universal suffrage means that all adult citizens can vote.

Types of elections: presidential, legislative, municipal, senatorial, and European.

France is a democracy — leaders are chosen by citizens. Multiple political parties may exist freely.

101 departments in France. The prefect represents the State in each department.

13 regions in metropolitan France.

The commune is the smallest unit and is led by the mayor.

27 member states as of January 2025. France is a founding member.

Switzerland is not in the EU. The United Kingdom left in 2020.

Currency: the euro (€).

European elections take place every 5 years. EU citizens living in France can vote.

Europe Day: May 9.