French Constitution and its History
History
France is one of those republics of the world where the president is the most powerful person. The government is centralized and its system is called Fifth Republic. In 1958, after a popular referendum, the current constitution and the government system was adopted. This constitution gave more authority and power to the president of the country and bypassed the parliament. The President is elected by the majority vote and is called head of state. It is the president who later appoints his prime minister and is the head of government. The government in France has got two chambers. One is called the National Assembly and other is called the Senate. The National Assemble is elected by the people through voting and therefore is more powerful than the senate. But both of them have got the legislative authority. It is the responsibility of the Constitutional Council to held free and fair elections and referenda in the country. They can also decide constitutional questions.
Overview of the Constitution
It was not until the French Revolution in 1789, when the government was inherited in family from kings. In those days kings like Henry IV and Louis XIV ruled France for many years. Even though the main objective of the Revolution was to bring justice and peace and prosperity to the people of France, but it did not happen. Napoleon Bonaparte became the new ruler and created his own empire. After Napoleon army was defeated in 1815, French monarchy was restored in the country. Then another revolution ousted the monarchy in 1848 and then in 1852 the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, known as the Nepoleon III, formed his own empire. He lasted 18 years in power but then during the Franco-Prussian was in 1870 his regime fell and was imprisoned in Germany. After that democracy found his way back in the government in 1875 and was run under a constitution.
Running the government under the constitution was not easy at all, as it turned out the parliamentary coalitions keep on changing between the elections and the cabinets fell like nine pins. That kept on going till 1940 and then Germany occupied France during the 2nd World War. During that time authoritarian collaborationist regime was implemented at Vichy. At the end of the war, people voted in favour of constitutional system for the 4th time in history. That time careful steps were taken to make sure a stable government is formed. But it did not work either and in only twelve year time, 26 governments were formed which was incredible by any standard.
In 1958, constitution for the 5th republic was made. It was a hybrid of republican government where both president and prime minister had powers. But the most powerful powers were given to the president. He was given the right to abolish the National Assembly and chose prime minister of his liking. At the moment same system is functioning.