Consider whether we should evaluate French politics as essentially stable and elitist, or as more typically chaotic and disruptive.
For most observers, France appears to be a peaceful, prosperous democratic polity. Yet ever since 1789 France has also been characterized by historic episodes of social and political turmoil and unrest, including occasional outbursts of violent forms of protest. Some would further argue that in these moments of stress we observe, as well, a deep confrontation between an “elite France” and “the other France”?
Consider whether we should evaluate French politics as essentially stable and elitist, or as more typically chaotic and disruptive.
What evidence, from your knowledge of French politics, supports or challenges such divergent views on what best characterizes French politics. Discuss and analyse with respect to your knowledge gained from on this course.
Some notes i got from class:
Centers of powers that coexist but are incompatible with each other
The Gaullist Tradition
De Gualle as Founder
He was Conservative
And a major political party
Generational changes of names
Wont ask about the senate (?)
Primary system
Original Government
Beginning of the 1700s France’s system of absolute monarchy had been a model for most of Europe
However, confrontations arose to create political institutions that adapted to the modern and secular world, and their outcome strongly influenced the direction of French life during the Revolution
The absolutists System and its weakness
Monarchical- so called absolute monarchy
Unlike the king of England who needed the approval of Parliament to enact laws and collect taxes
The French King did not share his legislative power with any other institution
He commanded the army and navy and the entire machinery of governmental administration and he was also the supreme judge, to whom verdicts in any other court could be appealed.
government positions were owned by families however the kind could not abolish venal office unless he reimbursed their holders. The system of venal office holding limited the kings control of his own government.
Answer preview Consider whether we should evaluate French politics as essentially stable and elitist, or as more typically chaotic and disruptive.
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