How was the government of the Fourth French Republic structured?

Answer 1

The structure and composition of the Fourth French Republic was a product of their times. World War Two had just closed and France had to rebuild itself with the aid of the international community. Unlike the aftermath of the First World War, WW Two saw the total occupation of German forces.Here are the new government's components.

1. The new France was built around a constitutional framework. The new constitution was similar to one that preceded it with some important changes.

2. Universal Suffrage. All men, and for the first time, women received the right to vote.

3. Weak President. The "weak" does not mean that instead of "strong" it became "weak" The description merely makes room for the parliamentary ruler to carry out executive duties.

The president would be elected for a 7 year term by the legislature. The president was a "symbol" of France an acted as a figurehead.

4. Powerful Legislature. The legislature consisted of two houses. 1) the Council of the Republic, indirectly elected could hold up legislation on a temporary basis. And 2) The National Assembly, directly elected for a 5 year term. This body alone could pass legislation and could disolve the Cabinet.

5. Important Cabinet. Headed by the Premier, the Cabinet governed the nation. This involved executive and legislative powers. The Cabinet remained in office as along as it had the majority support in the Assembly.

As an aside, the political party system would be by necessity one in flux and is not part of the Republic's basic structure.