Separation of powers and elections in France. How and why the French don't "do democracy" like the Americans do.
direct democracy, referendum
Two-round presidential elections. Function of the first-round. Fourth v. Fifth Republics. Ballot access in a unitary system
Cohabitation, presidential power, parliamentary power, checks/balances
Conditions of electoral victory on presidential power. The irony in Chirac's apparently "huge mandate."
History repeats itself, sort of. More on function of first round.
Secession