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Democracy and the Republic (1/2)
This sheet helps you understand the model of the Republic. It also helps you describe simply how democracy works.
Key points of the sheet
- The word democracy comes from the Greek "Dêmos Krátos": "People Power". In a democracy, power belongs to the people, without distinction of sex, religion, wealth or social origin.
- Democracy is based on regular voting (elections, referendums), the separation of powers and the plurality of political parties. It is the opposite of dictatorship, where one person or a small group holds power.
- France is a democracy: citizens choose their representatives by universal suffrage. According to the 1958 Constitution, it is "government of the people, by the people and for the people".
- To have the right to vote, you must have French nationality and be over 18. You must also have your civil and political rights and be registered on the electoral rolls.
- Republic comes from the Latin "Res Publica": "public thing". It belongs to the people, and public property, rights and services belong to all citizens.
- In a Republic, elected representatives hold power. The Republic is opposed, for example, to monarchy, where power is hereditary.
- France is a Republic: representatives elected by the people exercise power. It is no longer a monarchy; power no longer belongs to one person.
- Democracy is about the people taking part in decisions. The Republic is about the form of government and the way power is exercised. A Republic is not necessarily a democracy.
Words to know
- democracy (démocratie)
- It is the political system in which power belongs to the people.
- dictatorship (dictature)
- It is power held by one person or a small group of people.
- Republic (République)
- It is a political system in which elected representatives hold power.
- monarchy (monarchie)
- It is a system in which power is hereditary.
- universal suffrage (suffrage universel)
- In France, citizens choose their representatives by universal suffrage.
- referendum (référendum)
- It is a form of voting to consult the people, along with elections.
- electoral rolls (listes électorales)
- To vote, a citizen must be registered on the electoral rolls.
Test yourself: 3 questions
What does the Greek word behind "democracy" mean?
In French, the language of the exam: Que signifie le mot grec à l'origine de « démocratie » ?
Democracy comes from the Greek "Dêmos Krátos", which means "People Power".
What age must you be to vote in France?
In French, the language of the exam: Quel âge faut-il avoir pour voter en France ?
The right to vote is given to citizens over 18, that is, adults.
Which system is the Republic opposed to, for example?
In French, the language of the exam: À quel régime la République s'oppose-t-elle, par exemple ?
The Republic is opposed, for example, to monarchy, where power is hereditary.
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More in this topic (Democracy and the right to vote)
- Democracy and the Republic (2/2)
- The principle of multiple political parties
- The conditions for voting in France (1/2)
Source
Sheet “La démocratie et la République (1/2)” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.