Salient Features of the French Constitution – UPSC Notes

🇫🇷 Salient Features of the French Constitution – UPSC Notes 1. Background The current French Constitution was adopted on October 4, 1958 , establishing the Fifth Republic . The Constitution declares that France is an indivisible, secular, democratic, and social Republic , ensuring equality before law without discrimination based on origin, race, or religion . 2. President of France The President is directly elected by the people for a 5-year term . The President acts as the protector of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity . The Prime Minister is appointed by the President. 3. Legislature: Bicameral Parliament France follows a semi-presidential system with a unitary government . The French Parliament consists of two houses : 🔸 National Assembly : Members are elected by direct voting . Has more power than the Senate. Maximum number of members: 577 . 🔸 Senate : Members are elected by indirect voting . Maximum strength is 348 . Cannot initiate or pass legislation like the National Assembly. 4. Organic …