Key Moments: Timeline of Constitutional Crises and Resolutions

1961 (April): Generals' putsch in Algiers tests new institutions. De Gaulle invokes Article 16 emergency powers, demonstrating executive strength.

1962 (October): Constitutional crisis over direct presidential election. Resolution through referendum establishes precedent for popular sovereignty.

1968 (May): Student and worker uprising challenges regime. Dissolution of Assembly and new elections restore order within constitutional framework.

1986-1988: First cohabitation between Socialist President Mitterrand and Conservative Prime Minister Chirac proves system's flexibility.

2005 (May): Rejection of European Constitutional Treaty by referendum shows limits of executive power and strength of popular sovereignty.