In order to understand French interest-group politics it is useful to have a broad impression of the general pattern of politics in which the groups operate. This is not the place for a comprehensive review of the French political system, but it is important to note a few aspects of the political environment.

Perhaps the most important feature of contemporary French politics is the strong political executive. In reaction to the weakness of the executive during the Fourth Republic, with its vulnerability to pressure from special interests as an often invoked example, the framers of the constitution of the Fifth Republic were interested foremost in strengthening the executive. A powerful, popularly elected president exercises dominant control over the policy agenda and largely dictates policy content in areas of his concern. The extent of presidential policy control has continued to broaden over the years of the Fifth Republic as successive presidents have proved willing to expand the range of policy and political decisions they wish to control.

The president's powers are augmented by those of the prime minister whom he names and whom he can usually dismiss at will. Together with the president, the prime minister controls the legislative calendar and can push controversial measures through a reluctant parliament. The government can prevent parliament from considering without its prior approval any measure, whether a full bill or simply an amendment, that either increases government expenditure or decreases government revenues.