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French civic exam 2026, Institutions and political system
When are senators elected?
An official question of the French civic exam, with its answer and the official text that proves it, in French and English.
Multi-year residence permit no. 50
Quand sont élus les sénateurs ?
When are senators elected?
Answer. Every 3 years, for half of the seats, by the grand electors (each senator serves a 6 year term).
Tous les 3 ans, pour la moitié des sièges, par les grands électeurs (chaque sénateur a un mandat de 6 ans).
The Senate is renewed by half every 3 years, and each senator is elected for 6 years. Citizens do not vote directly, it is the grand electors (local elected officials, deputies) who vote. The question is vague, choose the answer that mentions 3 years or the grand electors.
The official text that proves it
« Par contre, les élections sénatoriales , qui permettent d'élire les sénateurs, sont au suffrage universel indirect (tous les 3 ans renouvellement par moitié). Seuls les grands électeurs (maires, conseillers municipaux, députés) votent. »
Senatorial elections, which elect the senators, are by indirect universal suffrage (renewed by half every 3 years). Only the grand electors (mayors, town councilors, deputies) vote.
In French, with its English meaning. read the official sheet
Next questions in this theme
- Who is elected in the municipal elections?
- Who is elected in the presidential election?
- From what age can a person vote?
- For how long is the French President of the Republic elected?
- For how long are deputies elected?
All 521 official questions, in French and English
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Questions from the official lists of the French Ministry of the Interior, quotations from the civic training sheets, the Constitution and the 1789 Declaration, Licence Ouverte Etalab 2.0. This is not a government site. The official sheets are free, in French, on formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr.
