French civic exam · revision sheet

French civic exam: institutions and Europe

96 official questions are about how France and the European Union are run. It is often the most abstract topic. Here each institution is explained simply: who does what, who is elected, and for how long.

Written by Akshit, reviewed by the Recite teamHow we writeUpdated 15 October 2026.

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0116 questions

Who makes the laws, who applies them, who judges?

Why?

The separation of powers distinguishes three powers. Legislative power votes the laws: that is Parliament, made up of the National Assembly and the Senate, which also oversees the Government. Executive power applies the laws and runs the country: that is the President of the Republic and the Government. Judicial power delivers justice: it is exercised by magistrates, judges and prosecutors. The powers are separated so that no one person holds them all.

0218 questions

Who does what: President, Prime Minister, prefect, mayor?

Why?

The President of the Republic lives at the Élysée Palace. The President ensures the Constitution is respected and guarantees national independence, but the President’s powers are limited by the Constitution. The President appoints the Prime Minister, who leads the Government from the Hôtel de Matignon. The prefect represents the State in the département. The mayor, elected by the municipal council, runs the commune and conducts marriages. The Constitutional Council checks that laws respect the Constitution, and the Defender of Rights defends people’s rights against administrations and discrimination.

0335 questions

Who can vote, and how long is each term?

Why?

You can vote at 18, provided you are on the electoral roll, for example by registering at your town hall. For the presidential election, you must have French nationality. Voting is a right, not an obligation, and you can vote by proxy. The President is elected for 5 years, the 577 deputies for 5 years, senators for 6 years (half of the Senate is renewed every 3 years), the mayor and municipal council for 6 years. To stand for president, you need at least 500 sponsorships from elected officials.

046 questions

What do the commune, the département and the région do?

Why?

The commune runs local services, such as civil status and public nursery and primary schools. The département handles social support and solidarity (RSA benefit, child welfare) and public lower secondary schools (collèges). The région is responsible for regional transport. France has around 35,000 communes.

057 questions

Do leaders have to obey the law?

Why?

Under the rule of law, everyone obeys the law, including leaders and the State: nobody has the right not to. A minister who breaks the law can be prosecuted and convicted. A president who commits a crime can be prosecuted after the end of their term. It is the courts, a tribunal, that punish someone who steals.

0614 questions

How does the European Union work?

Why?

On 1 January 2025, the European Union has 27 member states. Switzerland is not one of them; Italy is a founding country. The Maastricht treaty concerns the building of the European Union, and France uses the euro. The European Parliament sits in Strasbourg, the European Commission in Brussels, the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. MEPs are elected by EU citizens every 5 years. An EU citizen can vote in the municipal and European elections of the country where they live.

Common confusions

These answers look alike. Here is how to tell them apart, side by side.

5 years or 6 years?

5 years: The President, deputies, European elections.
6 years: Senators, the mayor and the municipal council.

The Élysée or Matignon?

The Élysée: The President of the Republic.
Matignon: The Prime Minister.

Strasbourg, Brussels or Frankfurt?

Strasbourg: The European Parliament.
Brussels: The European Commission.
Frankfurt: The European Central Bank.

Who appoints, who leads?

The President: Appoints the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister: Leads the Government.

The mayor, elected by whom?

Voters: Elect the municipal councillors.
The municipal council: Then elects the mayor.

27 or 12?

27: The member states of the European Union.
12: The stars on the European flag.

Test yourself: 10 questions

Questions from this page, drawn from every topic. After each answer: the right answer and why.

Question 1 of 10Score: 0

The separation of powers is a fundamental principle. Which three powers are involved?
In French: La séparation des pouvoirs est un principe fondamental. Quels sont les trois pouvoirs concernés ?
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The correct answer: Legislative power, executive power and judicial power
Why: The three powers are: legislative (making laws), executive (applying them) and judicial (judging).
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Why separate the three powers in a democracy?
In French: Pourquoi séparer les trois pouvoirs dans une démocratie ?
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The correct answer: To prevent a single person from holding all the powers
Why: Separating powers prevents one person or group from concentrating all power. This protects citizens' freedoms.
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Who holds legislative power?
In French: Qui possède le pouvoir législatif ?
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The correct answer: Parliament (National Assembly and Senate)
Why: Legislative power belongs to Parliament, made up of the National Assembly and the Senate. Parliament votes on laws.
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Who passes laws?
In French: Qui vote les lois ?
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The correct answer: Parliament
Why: Parliament, that is the National Assembly and the Senate, votes on laws.
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What is legislative power? The power:
In French: Qu'est-ce que le pouvoir législatif ? Le pouvoir :
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The correct answer: to pass laws
Why: Legislative power is the power to vote on laws. It belongs to Parliament.
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Parliament is made up of:
In French: Le Parlement est composé :
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The correct answer: the National Assembly (Assemblée nationale) and the Senate
Why: Parliament has two chambers: the National Assembly and the Senate. It passes laws and oversees the Government.
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What is the role of members of the National Assembly (députés)?
In French: Quel est le rôle des députés ?
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The correct answer: Passing laws and overseeing the Government’s action
Why: Deputies sit in the National Assembly. Together with senators, they vote on laws and oversee the Government's action.
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What is the role of Parliament?
In French: Quel est le rôle du Parlement ?
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The correct answer: Passing laws and overseeing the Government’s action
Why: Parliament votes on laws, oversees the Government's action and evaluates public policies.
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Who holds executive power?
In French: Qui possède le pouvoir exécutif ?
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The correct answer: The President of the Republic and the Government
Why: Executive power is shared between the President of the Republic and the Government, led by the Prime Minister.
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What is executive power? The power:
In French: Qu'est-ce que le pouvoir exécutif ? Le pouvoir :
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The correct answer: to enforce laws and run the country
Why: Executive power applies the laws and runs the country’s policy. It is exercised by the President and the Government.
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What power does a judge hold? The power that is:
In French: Quel pouvoir détient un juge ? Le pouvoir :
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The correct answer: judicial
Why: A judge belongs to the judicial authority: they settle disputes and punish offences independently.
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Judicial authority is exercised by:
In French: L'autorité judiciaire est exercée par :
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The correct answer: magistrates (judges and prosecutors)
Why: Judicial authority is exercised by magistrates: judges, who rule, and prosecutors, who defend the interests of society.
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What is the role of the judicial authority?
In French: Quel est le rôle de l'autorité judiciaire ?
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The correct answer: Administering justice and protecting individual liberties
Why: The judicial authority rules on disputes and offences by applying the law. It is the guardian of individual liberty.
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The law is the expression of:
In French: La loi est l'expression de :
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The correct answer: the general will
Why: Article 6 of the 1789 Declaration states: "The law is the expression of the general will."
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What is France’s political system today?
In French: Quel est le régime politique de la France aujourd'hui ?
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The correct answer: A democratic republic
Why: France is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic. Power belongs to the people.
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What is one of the possible ways to amend the Constitution?
In French: Quelle est l'une des voies possibles pour modifier la Constitution ?
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The correct answer: A vote of Parliament meeting as Congress, by a 3/5 majority
Why: After a vote by both houses, a revision is adopted by referendum or by Congress with a three-fifths majority.
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Who lives in the Élysée Palace?
In French: Qui réside au palais de l'Élysée ?
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The correct answer: The President of the Republic
Why: The Élysée Palace in Paris is the official residence and workplace of the President of the Republic.
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What is the role of the President of the Republic?
In French: Quel est le rôle du président de la République ?
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The correct answer: Ensuring that the Constitution is respected and guaranteeing national independence
Why: The President ensures that the Constitution is respected. He ensures the proper functioning of institutions and guarantees national independence.
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Does the President of the Republic have all the powers?
In French: Est-ce que le président de la République a tous les pouvoirs ?
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The correct answer: No, their powers are limited by the Constitution
Why: No. In France, powers are separated. The President must respect the Constitution, Parliament votes on laws and judges are independent.
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Who stands in for the President of the Republic if the President dies?
In French: Qui assure l'intérim du président de la République en cas de décès ?
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The correct answer: The President of the Senate
Why: If the President dies, the President of the Senate temporarily carries out the duties until a new President is elected.
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Who appoints the Prime Minister?
In French: Qui nomme le Premier ministre ?
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The correct answer: The President of the Republic
Why: Under Article 8 of the Constitution, the President of the Republic appoints the Prime Minister.
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How is the Prime Minister chosen?
In French: Comment est désigné le Premier ministre ?
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The correct answer: They are appointed by the President of the Republic
Why: Under Article 8 of the Constitution, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President of the Republic. He or she is not elected.
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What is the Hôtel de Matignon?
In French: Qu'est-ce que l'Hôtel de Matignon ?
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The correct answer: The residence and workplace of the Prime Minister
Why: The Hôtel de Matignon in Paris is the official residence and workplace of the Prime Minister.
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Who directs the Government’s action?
In French: Qui dirige l'action du Gouvernement ?
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The correct answer: The Prime Minister
Why: According to the Constitution, the Prime Minister directs the Government's action.
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What is the role of the Prime Minister?
In French: Quel est le rôle du Premier ministre ?
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The correct answer: Directing the Government’s action
Why: The Prime Minister directs the Government's action. He coordinates the ministers' work and ensures laws are carried out.
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Who is the head of the Government?
In French: Qui est le chef du Gouvernement ?
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The correct answer: The Prime Minister
Why: The Prime Minister is the head of Government. He is appointed by the President of the Republic.
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What is the role of the Government?
In French: Quel est le rôle du gouvernement ?
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The correct answer: Determining and conducting the policy of the nation
Why: The Government determines and conducts the policy of the nation. It has the administration and the armed forces at its disposal.
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Who represents the State in a department?
In French: Qui représente l'État dans un département ?
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The correct answer: The prefect (préfet)
Why: The prefect represents the State and the Government in the department. He or she is appointed by the President of the Republic.
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Who is the prefect (préfet)?
In French: Qui est le préfet ?
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The correct answer: The State’s representative in the department
Why: The prefect is the State's representative in the department and region. He or she is not elected but appointed by the President of the Republic.
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Who runs the municipality (commune)?
In French: Qui dirige la commune ?
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The correct answer: The mayor, with the municipal council
Why: The municipality is run by the mayor and the municipal council. Voters elect the council, which then elects the mayor from among its members.
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What are the mayor’s duties?
In French: Quelles sont les fonctions du maire ?
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The correct answer: Running the municipality and performing weddings
Why: The mayor runs the municipality and carries out the decisions of the municipal council. The mayor is also a registrar and performs weddings.
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How are mayors chosen?
In French: Comment sont désignés les maires ?
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The correct answer: They are elected by the municipal council
Why: Residents elect the municipal council, then the council elects the mayor from among its members by secret ballot.
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What is the role of the Constitutional Council (Conseil constitutionnel)?
In French: Quel est le rôle du Conseil constitutionnel ?
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The correct answer: Checking that laws comply with the Constitution
Why: The Constitutional Council checks that laws comply with the Constitution. It also oversees the proper conduct of national elections.
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What is the role of the Defender of Rights (Défenseur des droits)?
In French: Quel est le rôle du Défenseur des droits ?
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The correct answer: Defending people’s rights in dealings with public services and against discrimination
Why: The Defender of Rights is an independent authority. It helps people free of charge with problems involving a public service or discrimination.
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From what age do you have the right to vote?
In French: À partir de quel âge a-t-on le droit de voter ?
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The correct answer: 18
Why: French women and men aged 18 or over who enjoy their civil and political rights may vote.
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At what age can you become a voter?
In French: À quel âge peut-on devenir électeur ?
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The correct answer: At 18
Why: In France, one becomes a voter at 18, the age of majority, if one is French and has one's civic rights.
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Which condition must be met to vote in elections?
In French: Quelle condition est nécessaire pour voter aux élections ?
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The correct answer: Being registered on the electoral rolls
Why: To vote, one must have the required age and nationality, enjoy one’s civic rights and be registered on the electoral rolls.
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Who can vote in elections in France?
In French: Qui peut voter aux élections en France ?
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The correct answer: French adults registered on the electoral rolls
Why: Registered French adults may vote. Citizens of the European Union may also vote in municipal and European elections.
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Registering on the electoral rolls is:
In French: L'inscription sur les listes électorales est :
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The correct answer: Compulsory for citizens
Why: The Electoral Code states that registration on the electoral rolls is compulsory. Young people who completed the census are registered automatically at 18.
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A person without internet access wants to register on the electoral rolls so they can vote in the next political elections. Where can they register?
In French: Une personne, n'ayant pas d'accès à internet, veut s'inscrire sur les listes électorales pour pouvoir voter aux prochaines élections politiques. Où peut-elle s'inscrire ?
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The correct answer: At the town hall of their municipality
Why: Without internet, one can register at the town hall, in person or by post, with an ID document and proof of address.
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Which condition is necessary to vote in the presidential election?
In French: Quelle condition est nécessaire pour voter aux élections présidentielles ?
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The correct answer: Having French nationality
Why: To vote in the presidential election, one must be French, be 18, have one's civic rights and be registered on the electoral rolls.
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What does “universal suffrage” mean?
In French: Que signifie « suffrage universel » ?
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The correct answer: All adult citizens can vote, regardless of wealth or sex
Why: Suffrage is universal: all adult French citizens, men and women, who enjoy their civil and political rights may vote.
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Is voting compulsory?
In French: Est-ce que le vote est obligatoire ?
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The correct answer: No, voting is a right, not an obligation
Why: In France, voting is not compulsory: it is a right, and no one is penalised for not voting. The voter card says voting is "also a civic duty", in a moral sense. The only exception: the electors who choose senators must vote, or pay a €100 fine.
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In France, is voting compulsory?
In French: En France, est-ce obligatoire de voter ?
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The correct answer: No, voting is a right, not an obligation
Why: In France, voting is not compulsory: it is a right, and not voting is not punished. The voter card says voting is "also a civic duty", in a moral sense. The only exception: the electors who choose senators must vote, or pay a €100 fine.
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Can one person vote on behalf of another?
In French: Une personne peut-elle voter à la place d'une autre ?
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The correct answer: Yes, if they have been given a proxy by that voter
Why: A voter who is absent can give a proxy to another voter, who then votes on their behalf.
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For how long is the President of the French Republic elected?
In French: Pour combien de temps est élu le président de la République française ?
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The correct answer: 5 years
Why: Since the 2000 reform, the President is elected for five years. They cannot serve more than two consecutive terms.
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What is the term of office of the President of the French Republic?
In French: Quelle est la durée du mandat du Président de la République française ?
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The correct answer: 5 years
Why: Since the 2000 referendum, the President is elected for 5 years. Before that, the term lasted 7 years.
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For how long are members of the National Assembly (députés) elected?
In French: Pour combien de temps sont élus les députés ?
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The correct answer: 5 years
Why: Members of the National Assembly are elected for five years, unless the President dissolves the Assembly before the end of the term.
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What is the term of office of members of the National Assembly (députés)?
In French: Quelle est la durée du mandat des députés ?
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The correct answer: 5 years
Why: Members of the National Assembly are elected for 5 years, unless the Assembly is dissolved before the end of its term.
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How many members (députés) make up the National Assembly (Assemblée nationale)?
In French: Combien de députés composent l’Assemblée nationale ?
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The correct answer: 577
Why: The National Assembly has 577 members, elected for five years. The Senate has 348 senators.
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For how long are senators elected?
In French: Pour combien de temps sont élus les sénateurs ?
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The correct answer: 6 years
Why: Senators are elected for six years. Half of the Senate is renewed every three years.
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What is the term of office of senators?
In French: Quelle est la durée du mandat des sénateurs ?
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The correct answer: 6 years
Why: Senators are elected for 6 years. Half of the Senate is renewed every 3 years.
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When are senators elected?
In French: Quand sont élus les sénateurs ?
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The correct answer: For 6 years, with half of the Senate renewed every 3 years
Why: Senators are elected for six years. Half of the Senate is renewed every three years, by indirect suffrage.
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How long is the term of office of the municipal council and the mayor?
In French: Quelle est la durée du mandat du conseil municipal et du maire ?
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The correct answer: 6 years
Why: Municipal councillors are elected for six years. The mayor is elected by the municipal council for the same term.
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What are the terms of office of the municipal council and the mayor?
In French: Quelles sont les durées du mandat du conseil municipal et du maire ?
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The correct answer: 6 years for the municipal council and for the mayor
Why: Municipal councillors are elected for 6 years. The mayor, elected by them, has a term of the same length.
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Who is elected in legislative elections?
In French: Qui est élu lors des élections législatives ?
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The correct answer: Members of the National Assembly (députés)
Why: Legislative elections are used to elect the members of the National Assembly, by direct universal suffrage.
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Who elects the members of the National Assembly (députés)?
In French: Qui élit les députés ?
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The correct answer: Voters, by direct universal suffrage
Why: Deputies are elected directly by voters, by direct universal suffrage, for five years.
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How are members of the National Assembly (députés) chosen?
In French: Comment sont désignés les députés ?
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The correct answer: They are elected by direct universal suffrage
Why: Members of the National Assembly are elected directly by citizens in the legislative elections, in constituencies.
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Who is elected in the presidential election?
In French: Qui est élu lors des élections présidentielles ?
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The correct answer: The President of the Republic
Why: The President of the Republic is elected directly by citizens, by direct universal suffrage.
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Who is elected in municipal elections?
In French: Qui est élu lors des élections municipales ?
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The correct answer: Municipal councillors, who then elect the mayor
Why: In municipal elections, voters elect the municipal councillors. The council then elects the mayor from among its members.
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Which of these authorities is elected?
In French: Parmi ces autorités, laquelle est élue ?
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The correct answer: The mayor
Why: The mayor is elected by the municipal council, which is itself elected by the residents. The prefect, the rector and the police superintendent are appointed.
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Who can stand in the presidential election?
In French: Qui peut se présenter aux élections présidentielles ?
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The correct answer: A French citizen aged at least 18 with 500 sponsorships from elected officials
Why: To be a candidate, one must be French, at least 18 years old, eligible, and gather at least 500 sponsorships from elected officials.
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Which condition is compulsory to stand in the presidential election?
In French: Quelle condition est obligatoire pour se présenter à l'élection présidentielle ?
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The correct answer: Gathering at least 500 sponsorships from elected officials
Why: Each candidate must present at least 500 signatures from elected officials (sponsorships) from at least 30 departments or overseas authorities.
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Which condition must be met to stand in municipal elections?
In French: Quelle condition faut-il remplir pour être candidat aux élections municipales ?
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The correct answer: Being at least 18 years old
Why: To be elected as a municipal councillor, one must be 18 and have a link with the municipality (be a voter there or pay local taxes there).
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Leaders are elected by the citizens in:
In French: Les dirigeants sont élus par les citoyens dans :
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The correct answer: a democracy
Why: In a democracy, the people choose their representatives by voting. In France, sovereignty belongs to the people.
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To whom does national sovereignty belong?
In French: À qui appartient la souveraineté nationale ?
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The correct answer: The people
Why: National sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their elected representatives and by referendum.
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Regarding political parties, which statement is correct?
In French: Concernant les partis politiques, quelle proposition est correcte ?
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The correct answer: They are formed and act freely, while respecting democracy
Why: According to the Constitution, political parties are formed and act freely. They must respect national sovereignty and democracy.
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In France, is it possible to join a political party?
In French: En France, est-ce possible d'adhérer à un parti politique ?
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The correct answer: Yes, parties are formed and act freely
Why: Article 4 of the Constitution says that political parties are formed and carry out their activities freely. Anyone can join one.
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At the end of their term, can the President of the Republic decide to stay in power?
In French: À la fin de son mandat, le président de la République peut-il décider de rester au pouvoir ?
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The correct answer: No, they must leave unless they are re-elected
Why: The President is elected for five years. At the end of the term, he leaves office if not re-elected. He can serve only two consecutive terms.
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What is the main role of municipalities (communes)?
In French: Quel est le rôle principal des communes ?
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The correct answer: Managing local services, such as civil registration and schools
Why: The municipality manages local services: civil registration, nursery and primary schools, town planning, roads.
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Who manages state primary and nursery schools?
In French: Qui gère les écoles primaires et maternelles publiques ?
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The correct answer: The municipality
Why: The municipality is responsible for public nursery and primary schools: it builds, maintains and equips them.
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What is the main role of the department?
In French: Quel est le rôle principal du département ?
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The correct answer: Social support and solidarity (RSA benefit, child welfare)
Why: The department mainly handles social support: RSA benefit, help for elderly and disabled people, child protection. It also runs secondary schools (collèges).
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Who manages state collèges (lower secondary schools)?
In French: Qui gère les collèges publics ?
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The correct answer: The department
Why: The department is responsible for lower secondary schools: it builds, maintains and equips them. The State recruits and pays the teachers.
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Which local authority is responsible for regional transport?
In French: Quelle collectivité territoriale est responsable des transports régionaux ?
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The correct answer: The region
Why: The region organises regional transport, such as TER trains and coaches linking towns.
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Roughly how many municipalities (communes) are there in France?
In French: Combien de communes environ existe-t-il en France ?
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The correct answer: 35,000
Why: France has about 35,000 municipalities (34,875 on 1 January 2025), one of the highest numbers in Europe.
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What is the rule of law (État de droit)?
In French: Qu'est-ce que l'État de droit ?
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The correct answer: A State where everyone, including those in power, must respect the law
Why: In a State governed by the rule of law, everyone respects the law, even the State and its leaders. Independent judges ensure this.
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What does the rule of law (État de droit) guarantee?
In French: Que garantit l’État de droit ?
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The correct answer: That everyone respects the law, including the State
Why: The rule of law guarantees that everyone, including the State, respects the law. Everyone's rights are protected by independent judges.
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Who must obey the law?
In French: Qui doit respecter la loi ?
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The correct answer: Everyone, including those in power
Why: The law must be the same for all. French nationals, foreigners, elected officials or ministers: everyone must respect it.
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Do you have the right not to obey a law?
In French: A-t-on le droit de ne pas respecter une loi ?
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The correct answer: No, the law applies to everyone
Why: The law is the same for everyone and everyone must respect it. One may criticise it or seek to change it, but not disobey it.
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What happens if a minister breaks the law?
In French: Que se passe-t-il si un ministre ne respecte pas la loi ?
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The correct answer: They can be prosecuted and convicted by the courts
Why: A minister must respect the law like everyone else. For acts carried out in office, they are tried by the Court of Justice of the Republic.
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The President of the Republic has committed a crime. Which statement is correct?
In French: Le président de la République a commis un crime. Quelle proposition est correcte ?
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The correct answer: They can be prosecuted after the end of their term of office
Why: During his term, the President cannot be prosecuted. Proceedings can resume one month after his term ends. Parliament can also remove him from office.
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Who punishes someone who commits theft?
In French: Qui sanctionne l'auteur d'un vol ?
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The correct answer: The justice system (a court)
Why: It is not up to the victim to punish: theft is punished by the justice system. Generally, a court tries the offender and decides the penalty. For a theft of €300 or less, a fixed fine can also be imposed without a trial.
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How many states are members of the European Union as of 1 January 2025?
In French: Combien d'États font partie de l'Union européenne au 1er janvier 2025 ?
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The correct answer: 27
Why: On 1 January 2025, the European Union had 27 member states, since the United Kingdom left in 2020.
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Which state is not a member of the European Union?
In French: Quel État n'est pas membre de l'Union européenne ?
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The correct answer: Switzerland
Why: Switzerland has never been a member of the European Union. Spain, Ireland and Poland are members.
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Which country is a founding country of the European Union?
In French: Quel pays est un pays fondateur de l'Union européenne ?
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The correct answer: Italy
Why: The six founding countries are France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
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Which of these countries is a founding country of the European Union?
In French: Lequel de ces pays est un pays fondateur de l'Union Européenne ?
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The correct answer: Italy
Why: The six founding countries are France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Spain and Sweden joined later.
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Which treaty relates to the building of the European Union?
In French: Quel traité concerne la construction de l'Union européenne ?
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The correct answer: The Maastricht Treaty
Why: The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, created the European Union. The other treaties have nothing to do with building it.
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What is the currency used in France?
In French: Quelle est la monnaie utilisée en France ?
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The correct answer: The euro
Why: France's currency is the euro. It replaced the franc; coins and notes have been in circulation since 2002.
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Where is the seat of the European Parliament?
In French: Où est le siège du Parlement européen ?
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The correct answer: In Strasbourg
Why: The official seat of the European Parliament is in Strasbourg, France. Some meetings also take place in Brussels.
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Where is the seat of the European Commission?
In French: Où est le siège de la Commission européenne ?
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The correct answer: In Brussels
Why: The European Commission has its seat in Brussels, Belgium.
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Where is the headquarters of the European Central Bank?
In French: Où est le siège de la Banque centrale européenne ?
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The correct answer: In Frankfurt
Why: The European Central Bank, which manages the single currency, the euro, has its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.
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Who sits in the European Parliament?
In French: Qui siège au Parlement européen ?
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The correct answer: Members of the European Parliament elected by EU citizens
Why: The European Parliament is made up of members elected every 5 years by direct universal suffrage in EU countries.
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Who elects the Members of the European Parliament?
In French: Qui élit les députés européens ?
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The correct answer: European citizens, by direct universal suffrage
Why: Since 1979, Members of the European Parliament have been elected directly by the citizens of the European Union.
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How often are European elections held?
In French: À quelle fréquence les élections européennes sont-elles organisées ?
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The correct answer: Every 5 years
Why: Members of the European Parliament are elected for five years, so European elections take place every five years, for example in 2019 and 2024.
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Which condition must be met to vote in European elections?
In French: Quelle condition est nécessaire pour voter aux élections européennes ?
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The correct answer: Being a citizen of a European Union country
Why: To vote in European elections, you must be a citizen of an EU member state, an adult and registered on the electoral rolls.
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Can citizens of the European Union vote in local elections in another EU state?
In French: Les citoyens de l’Union européenne peuvent-ils voter aux élections locales dans un autre État de l’Union ?
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The correct answer: Yes, in the municipal and European elections of the country where they live
Why: An EU citizen living in another EU state can vote there in municipal and European elections, on the same terms as nationals. In France, they do not vote in the presidential or parliamentary elections.
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Test yourself: 10 questions

Tick one answer per question.

1
The separation of powers is a fundamental principle. Which three powers are involved?
A. Military power, religious power and civil powerB. Local power, regional power and national powerC. Economic power, media power and political powerD. Legislative power, executive power and judicial power
2
Who lives in the Élysée Palace?
A. The Prime MinisterB. The President of the SenateC. The President of the RepublicD. The Mayor of Paris
3
From what age do you have the right to vote?
A. 18B. 16C. 21D. 25
4
What is the main role of municipalities (communes)?
A. Passing the State budgetB. Administering justiceC. Managing local services, such as civil registration and schoolsD. Negotiating international treaties
5
What is the rule of law (État de droit)?
A. A State where the leader alone decides what is rightB. A State where the law applies only to foreignersC. A State where judges obey the governmentD. A State where everyone, including those in power, must respect the law
6
How many states are members of the European Union as of 1 January 2025?
A. 25B. 28C. 30D. 27
7
Why separate the three powers in a democracy?
A. So that the President can decide more quicklyB. To do away with the role of judgesC. To prevent a single person from holding all the powersD. To reduce the number of elections
8
What is the role of the President of the Republic?
A. Passing the country’s lawsB. Judging the most serious crimesC. Ensuring that the Constitution is respected and guaranteeing national independenceD. Running municipal councils
9
At what age can you become a voter?
A. At 16B. At 21C. At 18D. At 25
10
Who manages state primary and nursery schools?
A. The regionB. The departmentC. The European UnionD. The municipality

Answers: 1 D · 2 C · 3 A · 4 C · 5 D · 6 D · 7 C · 8 C · 9 C · 10 D

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Sources

Questions come from the official lists of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr (multi-year card, resident card) and immigration.interieur.gouv.fr (naturalisation). Each question page gives its own sources. The options, answers, translations, explanations and illustrations are written by Recite.

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Who makes the laws, who applies them, who judges?

Who does what: President, Prime Minister, prefect, mayor?

Who can vote, and how long is each term?

What do the commune, the département and the région do?

Do leaders have to obey the law?

How does the European Union work?

Common confusions

5 years or 6 years?

The Élysée or Matignon?

Strasbourg, Brussels or Frankfurt?

Who appoints, who leads?

The mayor, elected by whom?

27 or 12?

Test yourself: 10 questions

The separation of powers is a fundamental principle. Which three powers are involved?

Why separate the three powers in a democracy?

Who holds legislative power?

Who passes laws?

What is legislative power? The power:

Parliament is made up of:

What is the role of members of the National Assembly (députés)?

What is the role of Parliament?

Who holds executive power?

What is executive power? The power:

What power does a judge hold? The power that is:

Judicial authority is exercised by:

What is the role of the judicial authority?

The law is the expression of:

What is France’s political system today?

What is one of the possible ways to amend the Constitution?

Who lives in the Élysée Palace?

What is the role of the President of the Republic?

Does the President of the Republic have all the powers?

Who stands in for the President of the Republic if the President dies?

Who appoints the Prime Minister?

How is the Prime Minister chosen?

What is the Hôtel de Matignon?

Who directs the Government’s action?

What is the role of the Prime Minister?

Who is the head of the Government?

What is the role of the Government?

Who represents the State in a department?

Who is the prefect (préfet)?

Who runs the municipality (commune)?

What are the mayor’s duties?

How are mayors chosen?

What is the role of the Constitutional Council (Conseil constitutionnel)?

What is the role of the Defender of Rights (Défenseur des droits)?

From what age do you have the right to vote?

At what age can you become a voter?

Which condition must be met to vote in elections?

Who can vote in elections in France?

Registering on the electoral rolls is:

A person without internet access wants to register on the electoral rolls so they can vote in the next political elections. Where can they register?

Which condition is necessary to vote in the presidential election?

What does “universal suffrage” mean?

Is voting compulsory?

In France, is voting compulsory?

Can one person vote on behalf of another?

For how long is the President of the French Republic elected?

What is the term of office of the President of the French Republic?

For how long are members of the National Assembly (députés) elected?

What is the term of office of members of the National Assembly (députés)?

How many members (députés) make up the National Assembly (Assemblée nationale)?

For how long are senators elected?

What is the term of office of senators?

When are senators elected?

How long is the term of office of the municipal council and the mayor?

What are the terms of office of the municipal council and the mayor?

Who is elected in legislative elections?

Who elects the members of the National Assembly (députés)?

How are members of the National Assembly (députés) chosen?

Who is elected in the presidential election?

Who is elected in municipal elections?

Which of these authorities is elected?

Who can stand in the presidential election?

Which condition is compulsory to stand in the presidential election?

Which condition must be met to stand in municipal elections?

Leaders are elected by the citizens in: