Describe the French Political System and Explain Modifications That Improved

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The Answer is From 1871 to 1958, France's parliamentary system did not function well as governments changed frequently and were often unable to act effectively. Charles de Gaulle pushed for a new constitution that provided for a powerful president, a role that he would assume from 1958 until 1969. The French president is elected for a fixed five-year term and appoints the prime minister. The president does not sit in the National Assembly and cannot veto law passed by the Assembly but can refer a proposed law back to Assembly for reconsideration. The French president can call national referendums, determine when the National Assembly meets and what its agenda will be, assume emergency powers, and propose constitutional amendments. As well, the president has a leading role in foreign affairs, is responsible for negotiating and ratifying foreign treaties, and is commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The president can dissolve the Assembly and call an election, but if the election leads to a similar result, the president will have to live with a government that has a different political perspective. In this situation, termed cohabitation, the president shares power with the prime minister and Cabinet.

Describe the French Political System and Explain Modifications That Improved

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