The **Constitutional Council** is a high constitutional authority primarily known for ensuring that laws and government actions comply with the constitution in various countries, most notably France. Established in 1958 under the French Fifth Republic Constitution, its main role is to conduct constitutional review, verifying that statutes passed by Parliament conform to the Constitution before they are promulgated by the President, a process known as *a priori* review[3]. Since 2010, the Council also handles *a posteriori* reviews, where individual citizens can challenge laws already in force if they believe those laws violate constitutional rights[3]. The Council is composed of nine members, often referred to as *les sages* ("the wise"), appointed equally by the President of the Republic, the President of the National Assembly, and the President of the Senate for non-renewable nine-year terms, with one-third of members renewed every three years[3][9]. This structure ensures balanced political representation and independence. The Council is housed in the historic Palais-Royal in Paris and is currently led by Richard Ferrand, who was appointed President in 2025[3]. Beyond reviewing legislation, the Constitutional Council also oversees the fairness and transparency of national elections, including presidential, parliamentary, and referendum votes. It ensures compliance with constitutional provisions regarding emergency powers and resolves disputes between various state entities or between the state and regions, particularly in other countries such as Cameroon where a similar institution exists[5][6]. Its decisions have a binding effect and contribute significantly to maintaining the rule of law and protecting fundamental rights, which often include reference to foundational texts like the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen[3]. Notable achievements include the 1971 landmark ruling that expanded constitutional protection to include fundamental rights from the Constitution’s preamble, shaping French constitutional law profoundly. The Council's role in political matters and judicial review makes it a key institution in France’s legal and political landscape and a model for constitutional courts globally[3][