Introduction

The Fifth Republic constitution was adopted in 1958 during the French–Algerian war, in a period of violent political crisis. De Gaulle's text, which was framed to prevent governmental instability, is therefore grounded in the fear of division. In different ways, and despite numerous revisions, the political system favours efficiency at the expense of pluralism. From its inception, the regime was the target of sharp criticisms. Despite the direct election of the president, introduced in 1962, opponents of the regime pointed out its lack of democracy. Claims for democratisation have led to numerous debates on political representation; some paved the way for the debate on women's quotas. Few of them ended up in reforms.

Decisions about political representation are made at the centre. The powerful executive, consisting of both a president and a prime minister, plays a significant part in the decision-making process. Some policies take place through legislation, others require a special process of constitutional revision. The voting system falls within the competence of the legislature. Legislation is made by collaboration between the government and the two chambers of the legislature. The government controls the agenda through a system of party government. French deputies (Lower House) and senators (Upper House) may amend bills, 90 per cent of which are initiated by the executive. A Constitutional Council, the Conseil constitutionnel, may declare a law to be unconstitutional, thus making later revisions a constitutional matter.