Départements constitute the second administrative level in France's five-tier governmental structure, with 96 départements currently operating in metropolitan and overseas France. Created during the French Revolution in 1790 to replace the former provinces, départements serve as a key intermediary between the national government and local communes. Each département is administered by a departmental council (conseil départemental) elected through local suffrage. Their responsibilities include managing secondary education infrastructure (collèges), maintaining departmental roads, providing social services such as child welfare and assistance for the elderly and disabled, and overseeing fire and rescue services. Départements also play a role in economic development, transportation planning, and cultural preservation within their territories. The prefect, appointed by the national government, represents the state's interests and ensures national policies are implemented at this level.