The French Political System

France has a semi-presidential system combining a president and a parliament. The president is elected by citizens for a five-year term and oversees foreign policy, defense, and appoints the prime minister. The prime minister, chosen by the president, leads the government and implements laws. Parliament consists of two chambers: the National Assembly (lower house) and the Senate (upper house). Laws are proposed and debated mainly in the National Assembly. The system balances executive power between the president and government, with checks and democratic accountability through elections and legislative processes.