Question

mention any two features of french constitiution

Answer 1

A Rigid Document

The French Constitution is rigid in nature as it follows extraordinary methods for amendment. Under Article-89 two methods are adopted. One, the President can put the amendment proposal to both the Houses of the Parliament. If the 'Parliament passes it by 2/5th or 315th majority it becomes law. Second, the President of the Republic on the proposal of Prime Minister can put amendment before the Parliament or deputies themselves can introduce any bill of amendment. It the proposed amendment is approved by simple majority, the President- can put it before people at referendum, if the people by majority approve the amendment, it becomes the part of the constitution.

Mixture of Parliamentary and Presidential System

The French constitution combines the elements of both the Parliamentary and Presidential systems. The Council of Ministers is responsible to the National Assembly. The Assembly may question the responsibility of government by a motion of censure. When the National Assembly adopts a motion of censure or when it disapproves the programme or a declaration of general policy of the government, the premier must submit the resignation of the government to the President. On the other hand, it is the President who is both the head of State and head of Government. He possesses important legislative financial and judicial powers. He presides over the meetings of the Council of Ministers and meetings of Defence Committee. He is the commander of the armed forces. He can dissolve the National Assembly. Under Article-16 he has been given emergency powers that make him a virtual dictator.

Answer 2

Features of the Constitution of 1791 framed by the National Assembly :

(i)   Limit the power of the Monarch.

(ii) Powers were separated to different institutions - the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary.