Fifth Republic Constitution

Frances 1958 constitution creating a powerful presidency and ending chronic parliamentary instability.

Overview

Approved by referendum in September 1958 under Charles de Gaulle, the Fifth Republic Constitution was crafted to cure the revolving door governments of the Third and Fourth Republics. It strengthened the presidency, originally elected by an electoral college and by direct popular vote after a 1962 referendum, and curbed parliament through rationalized procedures, including the Article 49.3 mechanism letting government pass bills without a vote under conditions. The Constitutional Council grew into genuine rights review after 1971. Amended about two dozen times, it has delivered the longest period of stable French constitutional government since the Revolution.