M.P.s’ first task is to represent the people of The most well-known task of the National The third important task of the Assembly is to France in all their political diversity and to Assembly is to make laws. For a Bill to become scrutinize Government action. The main aim of ensure that free democratic debate takes place. the law of the Republic, it must go through four this monitoring is to guarantee the freedom of The Assembly To Represent main stages. To Make Legislation citizens. To Scrutinize welcomes you to the very heart of democracy The M.P. is a the people of France is the first task of an M.P. 1. The Drawing-up Debating and Passing the Laws of the Republic Questions to the in order to better protect citizens Spokesperson for his/ of Government and Government her Fellow Citizens Members’ Bills Every Tuesday and Wednesday Contrary to the generally Bills considered by afternoon, M.P.s have one accepted idea, an M.P. the Assembly are hour during which they may does not only represent originally sponsored question ministers and the his/her constituency but either by Government Prime Minister concerning in fact all of France. He/ (Government Bills) or by their decisions and their she possesses a “national a parliamentarian i.e. an policies. Half of such questions mandate” and thus must M.P. or Senator (Members’ are asked by members of the Richard Ferrand take into account the Bills). opposition. M.P.s may also ask President of the French National interests of all French 2. Examination in oral or written questions to the Assembly people, wherever they may Committee members of the Government live (including those who Before being considered in ‘plenary sitting’ in the Chamber, on very precise points. reside abroad), when taking decisions and in particular How does the National Assembly work ? Bills are examined in committee. The Assembly has eight The Finance Act: the Budget when passing laws. Nonetheless, it is only natural that The President, who is elected by his/her peers, These committees have special investigative powers as represents the National Assembly and chairs its debates. standing committees each of which specializes in a specific Every year M.P.s pass the Finance Act which sets the each M.P. forms a close bond with the constituency in well as the possibility of interviewing anyone who might He/she is ranked fourth in the order of national political field: Cultural Affairs, Economic Affairs, Foreign Affairs, budget of the State, i.e. all its revenue and expenditure. Since the Declaration of the Rights of which he/she is elected thus defending its interests help in having the truth brought to light. protocol and is provided with significant institutional Social Affairs, Defence, Sustainable Development, Finance The Bill is examined by the Finance Committee which Censure Motions and Confidence Man and of the Citizen, passed by the in Paris in the field of employment or amenities for powers such as the right to appoint three of the nine and Legal Affairs. In order that the consideration of each Bill publishes a “General Report” supplemented by “special Motions National Assembly on August 26, 1789, example. As each M.P. is in regular contact with his/ members of the Constitutional Council. He/she presides be as thorough as possible, the relevant committee appoints reports” on the budget of each ministry. These budgets the Assembly has always been committed her electorate, he/she can create the link between the If the majority of M.P.s disagree with over the main internal bodies of the Assembly such as a “rapporteur” for that Bill. This “rapporteur” is an M.P. with are divided into missions, each with its own targets and to protecting fundamental freedoms and everyday reality of French people and the great national Government policy then the National emocracy came into being in France along the Bureau, whose task it is to take the major decisions the task of examining the strengths and weaknesses of the performance indicators. to maintaining the social contract. At the centres of decision-making. Assembly may force the latter to Dwith the National Assembly. In 1789, Louis XVI concerning the running of the Assembly and which, Bill as well as ways in which it may be improved. same time it is aware of the need to adapt The National Assembly, Europe and Being better informed leads to a better asked the French people to elect their delegates to in addition to the President, is made up of six Vice International affairs resign. For this to happen a motion assessment of public policies the “Estates General”. The King’s intention was to to changing times as well Presidents, the Questeurs and the Secretaries. The 3. Consideration in Plenary Sitting of censure must be passed by more as keeping pace with President also chairs The Conference of Presidents In the Chamber, the Bill as amended by the committee The mission of the European Affairs Committee is to than one out of two M.P.s (i.e. at least summon this assembly for only a few weeks so as to Fact-finding missions, the monitoring of the enforcement developments in society. which brings together the Vice Presidents, the chairs is first debated upon in a general discussion. Then each examine in detail the ever-growing number of issues 289 out of 577). On the other hand, the have a rise in taxes accepted by the French and their of laws, the extensive work undertaken by the Commission Such were the purposes of political groups, the chairs of committees as well as article is discussed and amendments, i.e. changes or related to the European Union: new Member States, Prime Minister can ensure that he/she representatives. The delegates elected by the people for Assessment and Monitoring of Public Policies, by the of the great founding The Declaration of the General Rapporteur of the Finance Committee and additions to the Bill under discussion, are considered. institutional reform, EU budget, transposition into French has the support of the Assembly by refused to accept this reasoning. They were convinced the Rights of Man Parliamentary Office for Scientific and Technological laws of the Republic, the General Rapporteur of the social Affairs Committee. MPs then proceed to vote on the entire Bill. The voting law of measures taken by the Union. making the Government’s programme that a single man, who himself was not elected, could and of the Citizen Assessment, by the Parliamentary Delegation for the those on freedom of the Each week, the Conference of Presidents, together with procedure is normally by show of hands or, in the case or a statement of general policy an A hearing at the no longer decide on everything and so they swore to The Assembly is also represented in several international Rights of Women are all ways for the Assembly to review press (1881), on free and the Minister in Charge of Relations with Parliament, of doubt, by sitting and standing. For the most important issue of confidence in the Government. Finance Committee remain together united at the king’s side to guide his organizations (NATO Parliamentary Assembly, the action taken by the state in a particular area and, compulsory schooling draws up the agenda of the Assembly. votes, a public ballot may be held. Each M.P.’s seat is decisions. On June 17, 1789 they declared themselves Francophone Parliamentary Assembly, Parliamentary more importantly, to suggest measures for improvement. The Tennis Court (1881-1882) or freedom The Questeurs, of whom there are three, are elected equipped with an electronic voting device to be used in the “National Assembly”. On June 20 they gathered in Oath Assembly of the Council of Europe etc.). It participates Committees of Inquiry an indoor tennis court at Versailles and swore not to of association (1901) by all the M.P.s to deal, along with the President, such cases. in numerous cooperation programmes with democracies return to their home regions until they had “provided that have been regularly reviewed and with all financial and logistical matters concerning the 4. The “Shuttle” with the Senate world-wide. The Assembly may decide to set supplemented. the kingdom with a constitution” which would ensure Being an M.P. is a Daily Political Commitment Assembly: staff, premises, transport etc. Tradition has In order to become law, a Bill must also be debated and up a committee of inquiry on any Each M.P. may become a member of, or aligned to, a political the representation of the people at the highest level The National Assembly is the place it that two of the Questeurs should be from the ruling passed in exactly the same terms by the other House of important question which it considers group. He/she may thus carry out his/her job more easily: of the State. where democracy truly lives. It is a place majority and the third from the opposition. Parliament, the Senate. The to-and-fro journey of the to be of public interest. This may tabling Bills, amending Bills under discussion, scrutinizing Since 1789 the National Assembly has undergone a where reflection, debate, scrutinizing Bill between the Senate and the National Assembly is concern Government policy but also and questioning Government. By choosing to support the variety of name changes ranging from the Legislative Government action, taking into account called the “shuttle”. If the two assemblies do not reach all public bodies dealing with the Jules Ferry, Government within the ruling majority, or, on the contrary, Corps to the Chamber of Deputies before taking on the aspirations of citizens, must all agreement, the Government may decide to give the rights, freedom or health of citizens. the "father" of the by opting to defend the positions of the opposition and by its current title in 1946. Nonetheless, despite such contribute to securing the notion of laws on schooling “final say” to the National Assembly whose version of Thus, in recent years, the Assembly the interest of the public good in an leading political debate in his/her constituency, M.P.s help has set up committees of inquiry changes in name, the Assembly has always had the the Bill thus takes precedence. The Act is promulgated A Government Question A meeting of the Social Affairs increasingly complex and demanding keep our democracy alive every day. on the cost of nuclear energy or on sitting same mission: the passing of laws and thus the setting by the President of the Republic and is published in the Committee down of the rights and duties of every citizen as well society. Journal Officiel (official publication of the Republic). the means of combating terrorism. as the rules which govern society. The President Conference of Presidents A vote by show of hands

Welcome_2018-Ferrand 1-8 11/12/2018 10:26:09 Rotonde Alechinsky Salle des Quatre Colonnes (Room of the Four Columns) Salon Pujol (Pujol Room) Salle des Conférences (Alechinsky Rotunda) The Palais Bourbon (Conference Room) The rotunda, located between the The Salle des Quatre Colonnes takes This room was decorated in trompe- This room, built by Jules de Hôtel de Lassay, the Galerie des Fêtes its name from the main features of its l'oeil by Abel de Pujol. On account of Joly, was decorated in 1839 and the Palais Bourbon was decorated architecture and leads to the garden 1 Public Reception 9 Garden and Hôtel de Lassay 19-20 Conference Room its position in relation to the Chamber, Welcome to by François-Joseph Heim. by Pierre Alechinsky in 1992 and of the same name. This is where M.P.s of the political right wing tend to 3 Nowadays, it is used as a reading the French National Assembly illustrates an inscription by poet Jean M.P.s and journalists meet. Alechinsky Rotunda 11 Main Courtyard 21-22 Library meet there. room and meeting place by M.P.s. Tardieu. 4 Ballroom 12 Pujol Room 23 Room of the Mariannes 3 8 12 19-20 5 Great Rotunda 13-14 Casimir-Perier Room 24 Post Office Galerie des Fêtes Jardin des Quatre Colonnes Salon Casimir-Perier Bibliothèque (Library) (Ballroom) 6 -7 15 (Garden of the Four Columns) Room of Lost Footsteps Delacroix Room (Casimir-Perier Room) Facilities The Galerie des Fêtes, which was From this garden, the last vestige of The Library, which was also 8 16-17-18 For Visitors to the National Assembly opened in 1848, is decorated with the original garden "à la française", Room of the Four Columns The Debating Chamber This room, which is decorated with designed by Jules de Joly and paintings by François-Joseph Heim. we can see the Hôtel de Lassay. Built Palais Bourbon an 1889 bas-relief by the sculptor contains over 700,000 volumes, is Upon leaving the Cabinet du Départ, between 1722 and 1728, at the same Circuit audio guide Dalou depicting the sitting of June famed for its ceilings painted by the President walks through this time as the Palais Bourbon, it has 23, 1789 of the original National Eugène Delacroix between 1838 Access gallery on his way to the Chamber. been the seat of the Presidency of the Assembly, is crossed by ministers on and 1847. National Assembly since 1832. 33 their way to the Chamber. La Boutique Quai d'Orsay 9 4 Jardin 13-14 21-22 (Gift shop) • Metro: line 12 de la 7 rue Aristide Briand, (station: Assemblée nationale), Présidence 75007 Paris. lines 13 and 8 1 Souvenirs, gifts, bookshop. (station: Invalides). Cour d’Honneur (Main Salon Delacroix (Delacroix Salon des Mariannes Grande Rotonde (Great Cour Tel.: 0140630033 Courtyard) du pont Room) (Room of the Mariannes) • RER: line C (station: Invalides). Rotunda) • Bus:  lines 24, 63, 73, 83, 84, 94 The main courtyard has kept its original This room was designed by Jules This room, which is the anti- proportions dating from the time of de Joly and is decorated with works On-line gift shop: From this rotunda, journalists can 2 chamber to the library, is directly (stop: Assemblée nationale), the Duchess of Bourbon. Since 1989, painted by Eugène Delacroix and access the press gallery and their symmetrical to the Salle des http://boutique. ligne 93 (stop : Esplanade des it has featured in its centre the Sphere commissioned by Adolphe Thiers. work rooms by taking the staircases Quatre Colonnes. It houses a assemblee-nationale.fr Invalides). of Human Rights, a piece by the artist Nowadays it is the meeting place or lift. collection of "Mariannes", the • Parking: Invalides car-park. Walter de Maria. This sphere has a for members from the political left 3 5 personification of the Republic, as www.assemblee- semi-circular backdrop where the 17 4 wing. well as thirty‑two terracotta busts articles of the Declaration of Human nationale.fr 15 by Honoré Daumier. Rights and its preamble are engraved. 6 17 All the proceedings and Plenary Sittings and Visits of 5 20 23 publications on-line. 11 16 18 21 19 the Palais Bourbon 7 22 14 Info Assemblée 15 13 12 23 In accordance with Republican tradition, 8 Tel.: 0140636969 the laws are debated and passed before 2324 Jardin 9 10 11 the Nation. Access to the plenary sitting des quatre colonnes LCP-Assemblée nationale is possible for the first ten people in line 24 The parliamentary before the beginning of a sitting (except 25 television channel of the for Government Question Time sittings National Assembly is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 3pm) broadcast free on TNT, and for anyone possessing an invitation 10 by satellite, by cable, by from an M.P., subject to availability of broadband and on internet space. (www.lcpan.fr). Free guided tours are organized for Cour rue Aristide Briand groups of 50 maximum upon invitation d'Honneur by an M.P. 7 For information : www.assemblee-nationale/infos/visiter.asp “La Boutique” de l’Assemblée(gift nationale shop)

GENERAL SECRETARIAT OF THE Entrance by 33, quai d'Orsay. Please Salle des Pas Perdus (Room of Lost 6 and 7 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, bring ID or Passport. Hémicycle (the Debating Chamber) 16-17-18 Bibliothèque (library) 21 - 22 COMMUNICATION AND Footsteps) Hôtel de Lassay 9 MULTIMEDIA DEPARTMENT, Proper dress required. The present Chamber, which was built between 1829 and 1832 126 rue de l’Université, The ceilings of this room, which is also known as the Salon de la by Jules de Joly, replaced the original chamber designed for ZAOUM - PHOTOS : ASSEMBLÉE NATIONALE / F. CHRISTOPHORIDÈS L. LECAT AQUARELLES N. HERRENSCHMIDT. 75007 Paris Paix (the Peace Room), are the work of the painter Horace Vernet. NB : The numbers on the plan correspond to the the Council of Five Hundred. The President's chair, decorated Tel.: 0140636000 The President of the National Assembly crosses this room on his numbers of the sequences in the audioguided visit. by Lemot and Michallon, dates from this earlier period. way to chair the sittings in the Chamber. www.assemblee-nationale.fr

December 2018 MILOU + DUFAY /

Welcome_2018-Ferrand 9-16 11/12/2018 10:26:25