Who does what?
France works with a separation of powers.
- The President appoints the Prime Minister.
- Parliament votes on laws.
- Judges deliver justice and punish offenses.
The President therefore does not hold all powers.
Institutional and political system
Study the President, Parliament, elections, public powers, local administration, and the European Union.
Voting
To vote in a national election, you must be an adult and be registered on the electoral roll.
Deputies are elected by adult French citizens. Elections choose representatives, not judges or prefects.
- President of the Republic: 5-year term
- Deputies: 5-year term
- Senators: 6-year term
- National Assembly: 577 deputies
Territories and the State
The commune is led by the mayor.
In the department, the State is represented by the prefect.
A minister or elected official must also obey the law.
Europe
France is part of the European Union.
In European elections, French citizens and, under certain conditions, EU citizens living in France may vote.
The currency used in France is the euro.
- The European Union has 27 member States
- European elections take place every 5 years
- May 9 is Europe Day
Democracy and voting rights
France is a democracy: power comes from the people. Citizens choose their representatives through elections and, in some cases, referendums.
The democratic system also relies on political pluralism, freedom of opinion, and regular elections.
Justice and types of disputes
- Civil justice: disputes between individuals.
- Criminal justice: offences against the law.
- Administrative justice: disputes between a person and the administration.
For the exam, the key point is that justice is independent, applies the law, protects rights, and punishes offences.
Territorial organization
- Commune: run by the mayor.
- Department: presence of the prefect to represent the State.
- Region: another territorial level.
The real exam sometimes mixes local authorities and the State: you must clearly distinguish what belongs to the mayor, the prefect, the government, and Parliament.
Fast answer reflexes
- If the question asks who votes laws, think Parliament.
- If it asks who appoints the Prime Minister, think President of the Republic.
- If it asks who punishes theft, think justice / a judge.
- If it asks who runs the commune, think mayor.
- If it asks who represents the State in the department, think prefect.
Self-check before the exam
- Can you name the three main powers: executive, legislative, judicial ?
- Can you say who votes laws, who appoints the Prime Minister, and who represents the State in the department ?
- Can you distinguish the mayor, the prefect, the deputy, the senator, and the judge ?
- Do you know the basics of voting rights and the role of the European Union ?
Sample questions
- 1. Who elects members of the National Assembly?Answer to remember : Adult French citizens through voting
- 2. Who appoints the Prime Minister?Answer to remember : The President of the Republic
- 3. The French Parliament is made up of:Answer to remember : The National Assembly and the Senate
- 4. Who votes on laws in France?Answer to remember : Parliament
- 5. Who punishes the perpetrator of a theft?Answer to remember : Justice, through a judge
- 6. Who leads the commune?Answer to remember : The mayor
PDF study guide
Download the offline guide or continue with the live practice tools below.
The President, Parliament, elections, separation of powers, local government, and the EU.