The National Assembly (French: pronounced is the lower house of the bicameral Parliament of France under the Fifth Republic, the upper house being the Senate (S�nat).

Parliament of France: The French Parliament

The French Parliament is the national legislative body of France, responsible for making and passing laws. It is composed of two chambers: the National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale) and the Senate (Sénat). Together, they represent the French people and ensure the functioning of democratic governance in the country.

The National Assembly:
The National Assembly is the lower house of the French Parliament. It is made up of 577 deputies, who are elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term. The deputies represent the various constituencies of France, and their primary responsibility is to legislate and scrutinize the government's actions. The National Assembly has the final say in the legislative process, and its approval is necessary for the adoption of laws.

The Senate:
The Senate is the upper house of the French Parliament. It consists of 348 senators, who are elected for six-year terms through an indirect electoral system. Senators represent different territorial constituencies, such as departments, regions, and French citizens living abroad. The Senate plays a key role in the legislative process by examining and amending proposed laws from the National Assembly. It also ensures the representation of local interests and provides a platform for regional and local authorities to express their concerns.

Functions and Powers:
1. Legislative Power: The French Parliament has the authority to enact, modify, and repeal laws. It reviews bills presented by the government, proposes its own legislation, and ensures that laws are in line with the Constitution.

2. Budgetary Power: Parliament approves the annual state budget and oversees its implementation. It examines the government's financial policies, reviews public expenditure, and holds discussions on taxation and economic matters.

3. Control and Oversight: Parliament exercises control over the executive branch by questioning government ministers, conducting investigations, and debating issues of national importance. It ensures the accountability of the government and promotes transparency in decision-making.

4. International Relations: The French Parliament ratifies international treaties and agreements. It also plays a significant role in European Union matters, particularly through its engagement in the European Parliament.

Conclusion:
The French Parliament, consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate, is the central legislative body in France. It exercises its powers to enact laws, scrutinize the government, and represent the interests of the French people. With its dual-chamber structure, the French Parliament ensures a balanced and democratic approach to decision-making, fostering the principles of representative governance in the country.

Parliament of France is Assemblee Nationale