Actually, this graph seems somewhat similar to Canada's system of governance; I would assert that there are far more similarities than there are differences. Allow me to explain.
President of the Republic
The President of the Republic is comparable to our Governor General (were our Head of State to receive a more direct mandate from the people). Both Heads of State are responsible for appointing the Prime Minister (in both systems, that appointee must command the confidence of the House of Commons {or the French "National Assembly"}, and is normally the leader of the largest party). In both systems, the President / Gov.-Gen. exercises a certain degree of executive power, but most is in practice exercised by the Prime Minister.
National Assembly
The National Assembly is elected in a fashion similar to that of Canada, and is comparable to our House of Commons. The Prime Minister, and his Ministers, sit with the Government in the Lower Chamber, where budgetary initiatives are drafted and introduced, debated. In both systems, the Government can be "defeated"; in France, through a motion of censure; and in Canada, through a motion of non-confidence.
Senate
The Senate in France receives far more of a mandate than does its counterpart in Canada, and is generally far more right-wing than the National Assembly. One half of the French Senate is renewed every three years, and Senators serve six-year terms. This can be seen as being far more "democratic" than the Senate in Canada, which is comprised of long-term appointments by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. As is the case in Canada, the powers of the Senate are somewhat "limited"; the National Assembly has the final say in the event of a disagreement between the two Houses.
Conseil d'État
This Council is responsible for reviewing the legitimacy of a piece of legislation before it can be introduced in either House of the French Parliament.
Constitutional Council
When a bill has been adopted in identical form by both Houses of Parliament, it is sent for the signature of the President. If the President of the Republic, the speaker of either house or sixty deputies (Members of the National Assembly), or sixty Senators request that the bill stand referred to the Constitutional Council, then the bill is referred thereto for constitutional review. Additionally, the President can use his or her executive power to return a piece of legislation to Parliament for another review; this power can only be used once per law, however.
