The Fourth Republic in France was essentially brought down by problems inflicted by outbreaks of war in France's colonies. In 1958 the Constitution of the Fifth Republic was adopted. During the 1950's and 1960's, France underwent tough periods when the French colonies in Africa and Asia began claiming their independence. The wars in Indochina and Algeria cost the country many lives and money, and made the government very unpopular with the people. There were general strikes and student revolts in 1968, which ultimately led to de Gaulle's resignation from the government.

The Fifth Republic is the current republican constitution of France. It was introduced on October 4th in 1958. The Fifth Republic uses a semi-presidential system and distributes the power between the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the Parliament.