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The Fifth Republic (Vème République)
The Fifth Republic is the current political system of France. It was established on 4 October 1958.
Key points of the sheet
- It was born during a major political crisis. This crisis was linked to the Algerian War and to the government instability of the Fourth Republic.
- Charles de Gaulle returned to power. He proposed a new Constitution, adopted by referendum in September 1958.
- Charles de Gaulle is the founder and first president of the Fifth Republic. Many leaders came after him, such as Georges Pompidou or François Mitterrand.
- The Fifth Republic guarantees the fundamental rights written in the Constitution. In 1974, young people could vote from the age of 18, compared with 21 before.
- The president has important powers for the stability of the Government. The Constitution also limits the cases where the National Assembly can bring down the Government.
- The Constitutional Council was created. It carries out a legal check of laws and guarantees respect for the Constitution.
Words to know
- Fifth Republic (Vème République)
- It is the current political system of France, established on 4 October 1958.
- referendum (référendum)
- The new Constitution was adopted by referendum in September 1958.
- Constitution
- It contains the fundamental rights and limits the cases where the Government can be brought down.
- executive power (pouvoir exécutif)
- The Fifth Republic creates a strong executive power, with a president who has important powers.
- Constitutional Council (Conseil constitutionnel)
- It carries out a legal check of laws and guarantees respect for the Constitution.
Test yourself: 3 questions
When was the Fifth Republic established?
In French, the language of the exam: Quand la Vème République est-elle instaurée ?
The Fifth Republic was established on 4 October 1958.
How was the 1958 Constitution adopted?
In French, the language of the exam: Comment la Constitution de 1958 est-elle adoptée ?
Charles de Gaulle proposed a new Constitution. It was adopted by referendum in September 1958.
Who is the first president of the Fifth Republic?
In French, the language of the exam: Qui est le premier président de la Vème République ?
Charles de Gaulle is the founder and first president of the Fifth Republic.
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Questions on the ministry's list that rest on this sheet
- What is France's political regime today?
- What is the political regime of France today?
- From what age can you vote?
- Which Republic is France in today?
- Who is the first president of the Fifth Republic?
- Who was president of the Fifth Republic?
More in this topic (Political regimes since 1789)
- The Second Republic (1848-1851)
- The end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of the First Republic (1789-1792)
- The First Republic (1792-1804)
Source
Sheet “La Vème République” 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.