Constitution of France (1958) | Article 2

The Constitution of France (1958) is the foundation of the Fifth Republic and reflects the identity and values of the French nation. After Article 1 defines France as an indivisible, secular, democratic, and social republic, Article 2 goes further by setting out the official symbols of the Republic.

These include the national language, flag, anthem, motto, and principle of democracy. At first glance, Article 2 may appear cultural rather than legal, but in reality, it is central to French unity and constitutional law.

By embedding national symbols into the Constitution, Article 2 ensures they are legally protected and permanently tied to the Republic’s identity.

Constitution of France (1958) Article 2 – The Text

Article 2 of the Constitution of France (1958) states:

“The language of the Republic shall be French. The national emblem shall be the blue, white and red tricolour flag. The national anthem shall be ‘La Marseillaise’. The motto of the Republic shall be ‘Liberty, Equality, Fraternity’. Its principle shall be: government of the people, by the people and for the people.”

This article covers five key elements:

• Language: French is the sole official language.

• Flag: The tricolour (blue, white, red) is the national flag.

• Anthem: La Marseillaise is the official anthem.

• Motto: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” defines French values.

• Principle: Democracy is expressed as government of the people, by the people, for the people.

Constitution of France (1958) Article 2 – Importance

Article 2 is important because it gives France a legal identity that all citizens share. Its importance lies in:

• Unity: One language and one flag unite citizens across regions and cultures.

• Legal Protection: National symbols cannot be changed casually; they are constitutionally protected.

• Democratic Values: The motto and principle confirm France’s deep commitment to freedom, equality, and fraternity.

• Continuity: It links the modern Republic with the revolutionary traditions of 1789.

Without Article 2, France’s symbols and values could be left to ordinary law, making them less stable and less permanent.

Constitution of France (1958) Article 2 – The National Language

The article declares that French is the language of the Republic. This has several consequences:

• All laws, official documents, and court judgments must be in French.

• The state promotes the use of French in education and public life.

• It prevents regional or foreign languages from becoming official alternatives.

For example, the Toubon Law of 1994 reinforced this by requiring French in advertising, contracts, and official publications. This shows how Article 2 ensures national unity through language.

Constitution of France (1958) Article 2 – The Flag

The tricolour flag of blue, white, and red is the official emblem of France. Its meaning:

• Blue and Red: Colours of Paris.

• White: Symbol of the monarchy, reinterpreted as the people’s unity with the nation.

The flag represents the Revolution of 1789 and the birth of modern France. By making the tricolour constitutional, Article 2 protects it from being replaced by any other symbol.

Constitution of France (1958) Article 2 – The Anthem

The Constitution names La Marseillaise as the national anthem. Originally composed in 1792, it became a rallying cry for liberty and resistance. Article 2 gives it constitutional status, meaning:

• It must be used at state events, ceremonies, and sports.

• It represents France internationally.

• Any attempt to replace it would require constitutional change.

The anthem is therefore not just music—it is a legal expression of France’s identity.

Constitution of France (1958) Article 2 – The Motto

The motto “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” comes directly from the French Revolution. Article 2 ensures this phrase is permanently linked to the Republic. Each word has legal and symbolic meaning:

• Liberty: Freedom of thought, expression, and action.

• Equality: Equal rights before the law, without discrimination.

• Fraternity: Social solidarity and unity among citizens.

This motto appears on public buildings, coins, and official documents. It reminds both government and citizens of the Republic’s guiding values.

Constitution of France (1958) Article 2 – The Principle of Democracy

Finally, Article 2 sets the principle: government of the people, by the people, for the people. This echoes Abraham Lincoln’s famous words but also reflects French republican tradition. It means:

• Sovereignty belongs to the people.

• Leaders govern only with the consent of citizens.

• Democracy is the foundation of all political power in France.

This principle ensures that every law and institution must respect the will of the people expressed through elections and constitutional rights.

A Practical Example of Constitution of France (1958) Article 2

One example of Article 2 in practice is the 2008 Constitutional Council decision that confirmed French as the only official language of the Republic. Regional languages like Breton or Corsican may be taught or used locally, but they cannot hold the same official status. This ruling shows how Article 2 protects national unity while allowing cultural diversity.

Conclusion

Article 2 of the Constitution of France (1958) may look cultural, but it is deeply legal and political. By defining the national language, flag, anthem, motto, and principle of democracy, it gives France a shared identity rooted in the Revolution and modern values. These symbols unite the nation, strengthen equality, and protect democratic governance. Without Article 2, the Republic would lack the legal backbone of its national identity.

FAQs

What does Article 2 of the French Constitution say?

It states that the language of the Republic is French, the tricolour is the national flag, La Marseillaise is the anthem, the motto is “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity,” and the principle is democracy of the people, by the people, for the people.

Why is Article 2 of the Constitution important?

It is important because it legally protects France’s national symbols and democratic values. It ensures unity, cultural identity, and continuity of the Republic.

Can France change its flag or anthem under Article 2?

Yes, but only through constitutional amendment. Since Article 2 embeds the flag and anthem into the Constitution, they cannot be changed by ordinary law.

What is the national motto in Article 2?

The motto is “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.” It represents freedom, equal rights, and solidarity among all citizens of the Republic.

How does Article 2 protect the French language?

Article 2 declares French the only official language. This means all government documents, laws, and court cases must be in French, preserving national unity.