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Which route can be used to change the Constitution?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: A referendum, where citizens answer yes or no. A referendum can change the Constitution. In 1962, one decided that the President would be elected directly by the citizens. The Constitution is a text that is very hard to change.
Sources: Sheet “Présentation des principaux textes (2/3) : La Constitution de la Vème République” (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
- ✗ A decision by the préfetUne décision du préfetA decision by the préfet is not the route the fact sheet gives: it is a referendum, like the one in 1962.
- ✓ A referendum, where citizens answer yes or noUn référendum, où les citoyens répondent oui ou nonCorrect answer. A referendum can change the Constitution. In 1962, one decided that the President would be elected directly by the citizens. The Constitution is a text that is very hard to change.
- ✗ A ruling by the Cour de cassationUn jugement de la Cour de cassationA ruling by the Court of Cassation is not the route the fact sheet gives: it is a referendum, like the one in 1962.
- ✗ A decision by the Conseil constitutionnel aloneUne décision du Conseil constitutionnelA decision by the Constitutional Council is not the route the fact sheet gives: it is a referendum, like the one in 1962.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Quelle voie permet de modifier la Constitution ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question comes from the naturalisation version of the exam (Ministry list read on 14 October 2026). The Ministry's wording: “Quelle est l'une des voies possibles pour modifier la Constitution ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Présentation des principaux textes (2/3) : La Constitution de la Vème République” (French).
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