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What does the executive power do in France?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: It applies and enforces the laws. The executive power applies the laws and makes sure they are respected. It is held by the President of the Republic and the Government. The laws are made by the legislative power.
Sources: Sheet “État de droit et séparation des pouvoirs : présentation des 3 pouvoirs (1/2)” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ It votes the laws in ParliamentIl vote les lois au ParlementVoting the law is the role of Parliament, the legislative power.
- ✓ It applies and enforces the lawsIl applique les lois et les fait respecterCorrect answer. The executive power applies the laws and makes sure they are respected. It is held by the President of the Republic and the Government. The laws are made by the legislative power.
- ✗ It chooses the judges and magistratesIl choisit les juges et les magistratsJudges and magistrates are recruited by competitive exam, not chosen by those in power.
- ✗ It judges and delivers justiceIl juge et rend la justiceJudging is the role of judges, the judicial authority.
What the source says
« Le président de la République et le Gouvernement appliquent et font respecter les lois (créées par le pouvoir législatif). »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Que fait le pouvoir exécutif en France ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the multi-year residence card (CSP). The Ministry's wording: “Qu'est-ce que le pouvoir exécutif ? Le pouvoir :”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “État de droit et séparation des pouvoirs : présentation des 3 pouvoirs (1/2)” (French).
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