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Government of France

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The government of France is the group that leads the country. It holds the executive power for the French Republic. This means they make many big decisions for the nation. The group includes a prime minister and several ministers. The prime minister is the head of the government. The president is the head of state, but they are not a member of the government.

There are different levels of ministers in the government. The most senior ones are called ministers of state. They hold a rank that shows great prestige. Next are the ministers who lead specific parts of the government. Below them are junior ministers called secretaries of state. These junior ministers work under a minister or the prime minister.

The main group is called the Council of Ministers. This group was set up by the Constitution in 1958. They meet every Wednesday morning at the Élysée Palace in Paris. The president leads these weekly meetings. During meetings, they discuss new laws and important decisions. They also talk about the country's money and defense.

Making laws and managing money is a big job. The government writes bills to be shown to the parliament. They also manage the country's budget and spending. Each minister asks for funds from the Budget Ministry every year. The government is also in charge of the French Armed Forces. They must plan for the safety and defense of the nation.

Rules help keep the government fair and focused. Members of the government cannot hold other high national jobs. If a member of Parliament becomes a minister, they must leave their seat. This helps them focus on their work without outside pressure. The government must also answer to the National Assembly. This group can dismiss the government if they choose.

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