Party Cohesion in the French National Assembly: 1958-1973

Abstract

This article explores the extent of party discipline in the French National Assembly during the first four assemblies of the Fifth French Republic, and compares it with cohesion in earlier French Republics and in other Western legislatures. It is based on the analysis of 357 roll calls in the National Assembly between 1958 and 1973. Party cohesion appears to be stronger during the Fifth Republic than it was during earlier periods. An examination of the pattern of dissent in each party supports the conclusion that this higher cohesion was based not on ideological homogeneity but largely on the importance of governmental-opposition considerations. The emergence of a stable and durable majority led deputies to follow systematic voting patterns: the majority in support of the government and the minority in opposition to it.