France: Constitution of 5th Republic since 1958
French Parliament:
Senate: 348 members indirectly elected from local councillors. Term: 6 years
National Assembly: 577 deputies directly elected. Term: 5 years
The President is the head of the state, directly elected with a 5 year term and renewable once. Because of the semi-presidential system, the Presidency of France is a unique, powerful and prestigious position. He is also the Chief in Commander of the French Armed Forces. He is empowered to issue decree, veto bills, pardon the criminals, make foreign treaties, make civil and military appointments and order for the use of nuclear weapons. Moreover, he does not need any other chamber/house’s approval for his decisions. He can submit a referendum. Moreover, the President can dissolve the NA. The Parliament can impeach him.
The Prime Minister is the head of the government, appointed by the President for a period he enjoys the confidence of the NA. He oversees all executive matters with the Council of Ministers.
Cabinet (Council of Ministers): is the body consisting of senior ministers headed by the PM and chaired by the President. Almost all of the decrees ,bills and appointments are approved by the Council of the Ministers.