This book centres on an examination of the stages of, and the reasons for, the growth of presidential government in France. It analyzes the obstacles to, and the limits of, presidentialism and argues that compared to the last regime, there is now a closer focus of authority on the office of presidency. Dr. Wright is the author of a book on the French Council of State and joint author of one on the Fench prefects. He is editor of several books on French and European politics.