The
commune is the smallest
geographical and administrative subdivision in France, it is run by
a mayor who is elected for a six-year term by the municipal, or town,
council.
The mayor has two roles: as the commune’s representative he
implements the decisions of the municipal council and ensures that
public order is maintained, and as a representative of central
government he oversees civil order, the judicial police (the P.J)
and has numerous administrative functions.
Communities of Communes
Number of Inhabitants Official population on January 1, 2012
The canton
is a geographical and administrative subdivision situated between
the commune and the arrondissement, it possess no judicial powers of
its own but provides a platform for the election of General
Councillors, or County Councillors.