Republique
A Republic is a form of government in which power is exercised by representatives elected by the people, as opposed to a monarchy where power is hereditary. France has had five Republics throughout its history. The Fifth Republic, founded in 1958 by General de Gaulle, is the current system. It is characterized by a strong executive power, a President elected by direct universal suffrage, and a bicameral Parliament. Article 1 of the Constitution defines France as an "indivisible, secular, democratic, and social Republic."
Example
Since 1958, France has been governed under the Fifth Republic, a system where the President is directly elected by citizens for a five-year term.