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Since 1789 France has had five "republics" - or democratic-style regimes - and fifteen constitutions. The First and Second Republics were interrupted by authoritarian rule, first by hereditary monarchs and then by the two Napoleons. The Third Republic was terminated by German occupation and World War II, and the Fourth Republic gave way under political and social crisis. The current constitution was created in 1958, and has already outlived all of its predecessors.

This pattern of turbulence and multiple constitutions reflects a perception of the role of constitutions as a source of public authority and political power that is very different from either the English or American views. The English have had little need for a written constitution because the legitimacy of their political system rests on tradition, including important documents, common law, and accepted scholarly interpretations of law and government. The United States Constitution is viewed almost with reverence - a cornerstone document that governs laws passed by the legislature, actions by the executive, and decisions made by U.S. courts. Over more than 200 years of existence, the U.S. Constitution only has 27 amendments. The French see their constitution as an important document, but one that can be amended easily, or even replaced, as times change. Judicial review exists in France (as we will see), but it is narrowly focused. As a result, the current constitution may be relatively long-lived, but it has been heavily amended over the years.

Read more about the French Constitution and link to the full text of the Constitution....