The members of the Assemblée nationale are called députés (deputies/representatives) and are elected directly for five-year terms. Members of the Sénat are called sénateurs (senators) and, unlike in the US, are elected indirectly for six-year terms. Each chamber selects a président, similar to the speaker of the House and the president pro temp of the US Senate. There are currently 577 representatives and 348 senators.
Both chambers examine, amend and vote on proposed laws, although in practice the prime minister introduces laws. Senators primarily represent the interests of local government (whose leaders elect them) and territories, reviewing legislation and proposing amendments. Deputies play a greater role in holding the government accountable, including through votes de confiance/motions de censure (votes of confidence). Unlike in the US, the National Assembly can be disolved by the president to force new elections early.
The Constitutional Council (le Conseil constitutionnel)
Unique to the republic is a special Conseil constitutionnel (Constitutional Council). The Council can be called upon to examine the constitutionality of laws. The Council is also responsible for election integrity. The council is made of nine members each with nine year terms. Every three years, one new member is selected by the president of the Senate, the president of the National Assembly and the president of France.
