French institutions

French institutions are characterized by a distinctive top-down organizational model, deeply rooted in history and tradition. The "French system"  reflects the legacy of the "Napoleonic Code" or "Civil Code", established in 1804, which profoundly shaped France’s legal and administrative systems. Inspired by Napoleon, and drawn up by a commission of eminent legal experts, this Code laid the foundations of the modern French state, with its centralised government,  uniform laws and a strong state authority.

At the heart of this system is the French state, composed of several key institutions including a head of state (today the President), a Parliament with two chambers, and the judiciary, each playing defined roles within the framework. The executive branch, led by the President and Prime Minister, is in charge of national policy and administration, while Parliament (the National Assembly) legislates and oversees government actions. The judiciary operates with full independence from the government, interpreting what is legal or not legal on the basis of codified statutes rather than case law precedents (or common law). Top judges are nominally appointed by the President, but appointments must be approved by a panel of senior judges.

This hierarchical approach is reflected in regional and local administrations, where elected local or regional authorities are quietly supervised by local representatives of the central government, notably Prefects and Sub-Prefects. The State in France is also responsible for sectors such as education, health care, and social services, a situtation which few people in France would wish to change.

Understanding French institutions requires an appreciation of this blend of historic legacy and modern governance. In today's France,  centralised authority works with regional partners, creating a unique and generally-efficient system that continues to underscore the country’s political and social landscape today.