In the past two centuries, with every new format of government, France has had a founding text that describes its aspirations and principles. 

The fundamental text that governs our Fifth Republic is the Constitution of 1958, and its minor amendments over the years. Its preamble affirms its attachment to three texts: the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, the Preamble to the Constitution of 1946, and the Charter for the Environment, which was added to the body of constitutional law in 2004.

Back to the history

Updated : 15 December 2022