What is the role of the gendarmerie?

On exam day, in French

Quel est le rôle de la gendarmerie ?

• AJuger les personnes qui commettent une infractionTo judge people who commit an offence
• BFaire respecter la loi et protéger les personnes et les biensTo enforce the law and protect people and propertyCorrect answer
• CVoter les loisTo vote on laws
• DAssurer la sécurité seulement dans les grandes villesTo ensure security only in big cities

Explanation

Why the other answers are wrong

• A. To judge people who commit an offence — Penalties are given by the judge. The gendarmerie makes sure that laws are respected.
• C. To vote on laws — The gendarmerie enforces the law: it keeps public order and protects people and property.
• D. To ensure security only in big cities — The gendarmerie works in rural and peri-urban areas (the countryside) and on major roads. The police make sure that laws are respected in towns and cities.

French words to remember

• gendarmeriegendarmerie
• force de l'ordrelaw enforcement force
• ordre publicpublic order
• policepolice