Far Away, So Close: Parliament and Citizens in France
Language
en
Article de revue
This item was published in
Journal of Legislative Studies. 2012-12, vol. 18, n° 3-4, p. 294-313
Taylor & Francis (Routledge): SSH Titles
English Abstract
This article accounts for the paradoxical relationship between French citizens and their MPs. It is well known that the French chambers are among the weakest in Europe since the Constitution of the Fifth Republic restricts ...Read more >
This article accounts for the paradoxical relationship between French citizens and their MPs. It is well known that the French chambers are among the weakest in Europe since the Constitution of the Fifth Republic restricts their role. The French chambers also suffer from their reputation in the public's opinion, as repeated survey results show. Therefore, despite great efforts to communicate, the National Assembly and the Senate have not succeeded in raising citizens' interest or confidence in their activities. However, at the same time, the representative link in France is characterised by MPs' personal involvement in their constituency which is strengthened by specific institutional incentives (electoral rules, accumulation of mandates, weakness of parties, etc.). Using diverse sets of data, including a survey of French députés' opinions and attitudes, this article provides a picture of contrasting features which are still part of today's debate about parliament.Read less <
English Keywords
legislatures
France
political representation
parliament and citizens
Origin
Hal imported