## Overview and Role The French Senate (Sénat) is the upper house of France’s bicameral Parliament, sharing legislative power with the National Assembly (Assemblée nationale)[1][7]. It consists of 348 senators, elected for six-year terms through indirect universal suffrage, with half the seats renewed every three years[3][4]. Unlike the National Assembly, whose members are directly elected, senators are chosen by a college of local elected officials—mainly municipal councillors—giving the Senate a distinctive role as the representative of local and regional interests within the national legislative process[1][5]. ## Functions and Powers The Senate’s primary responsibilities include examining and voting on laws proposed by the government or parliamentarians, amending legislation, and scrutinizing the actions of the government[6][8]. It also has the authority to initiate constitutional amendments and must approve any changes to the constitution[6]. In the event of a disagreement between the two houses, the National Assembly ultimately has the final say on legislation, but the Senate’s review ensures a more deliberative and experienced perspective on proposed laws[1][3]. Additionally, the Senate plays a unique constitutional role: its president stands next in line to assume the duties of the President of the Republic should the office become vacant, underlining the Senate’s institutional importance[1]. ## History and Evolution The Senate traces its origins to the early years of the French Republic, but its current form was established by the Constitution of the Fifth Republic in 1958[2]. Over time, the Senate’s role has evolved, particularly with constitutional reforms in 2008 that sought to rebalance power between the executive and legislative branches[2]. Historically, the Senate has been a bastion of conservative and centrist politics, though its composition reflects the diversity of France’s political landscape, including representation for overseas territories and French citizens living abroad[4]. ## Key Achievements and Current Status One of the Senate