Provides vital insight into both the changing and constant character of the intricate French political scene. Comprehensive, judicious coverage of all aspects of contemporary French politics, policy, and society includes a current discussion of political culture and constitutional amendments. Throughout, the text incorporates a lucid institutional approach with new coverage of the 1997 elections, political parties, the European Union, the executive, the parliament, the judiciary and interest groups, as well as civil liberties, public policy and innovations in administration.