The President of France is the head of state and the highest-ranking official in the French government. Elected for a five-year term, the president is responsible for overseeing the executive branch, implementing laws, and representing France internationally. The president also has the power to appoint the Prime Minister and other key officials. The role of the president includes presiding over the Council of Ministers and ensuring the country's defense and foreign policy. The president can call for referendums and has the authority to dissolve the National Assembly, which is the lower house of the French Parliament.