Constitution of Italy

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Costituzione_della_Repubblica_Italiana

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Palazzo_Madama_(Roma)

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The Constitution of Italy (Italian: Costituzione della Repubblica Italiana) is the supreme law of the Italian Republic. It was enacted by the Constituent Assembly of Italy on 22 December 1947 and came into force on 1 January 1948. The Constitution establishes Italy as a democratic republic and lays the foundation for the organization of the government and the protection of civil liberties.

History[edit | edit source]

The Constitution was drafted by the Constituent Assembly of Italy, which was elected in 1946 following the end of World War II and the fall of the Fascist regime. The Assembly was composed of representatives from various political parties, including the Christian Democrats, the Italian Communist Party, and the Italian Socialist Party. The drafting process was influenced by the desire to prevent the rise of another dictatorship and to ensure the protection of fundamental rights.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The Constitution is divided into three main parts: the Fundamental Principles, the Rights and Duties of Citizens, and the Organization of the Republic.

Fundamental Principles[edit | edit source]

The first twelve articles outline the fundamental principles of the Republic, including the recognition of the inviolable rights of the person, the promotion of social and economic equality, and the commitment to international peace and justice.

Rights and Duties of Citizens[edit | edit source]

Articles 13 to 54 detail the civil, political, and social rights and duties of citizens. These include the right to personal liberty, freedom of speech, and the right to work. The Constitution also guarantees the right to health, education, and social security.

Organization of the Republic[edit | edit source]

Articles 55 to 139 describe the organization of the government, including the roles and functions of the President of the Republic, the Parliament, the Prime Minister, and the judiciary. The Constitution establishes a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate of the Republic and the Chamber of Deputies.

Amendments[edit | edit source]

The Constitution has been amended several times since its enactment. Amendments require a complex procedure involving multiple readings in both houses of Parliament and, in some cases, a national referendum.