83-610: The government of Italy is that of a democratic republic , established by the Italian constitution in 1948. It consists of legislative , executive , and judicial subdivisions, as well as of a head of state , known as the president . The Constitution of the Italian Republic is the result of the work of the Constituent Assembly , which was formed by the representatives of all the anti-fascist forces that contributed to
166-553: A democracy , from the Greek demos (people) and kratìa (power). However, this power is not to be exercised arbitrarily by mob rule , but in the forms and within the limits established by the rule of law . The President of the Republic of Italy is the head of state and represents the unity of the nation (art. 87 of the Constitution). The President serves as a point of connection between
249-399: A citizen's employment, nor the exercise of political rights. Particular mention is given to the democratic spirit of the Republic as the basis for the regulation of the armed forces. The Constitution establishes a progressive form of taxation , which requires every citizen to contribute to public expenditure in accordance with their capability. Also, Article 54 states that every citizen has
332-573: A final settlement of the status of the territories (in fact in 1947 most of these territories were then annexed by Yugoslavia after the Paris peace treaties of 1947 , such as most of the Julian March and the Dalmatian city of Zara ). Piero Calamandrei , a professor of law, an authority on civil procedure, spoke in 1955 about World War II and the formation of the Italian constitution: If you want to go on
415-461: A government with the support of Parliament, or dissolve parliament and call for new elections. Cabinet reshuffles are also possible in case specific ministers lack the support of the parliament, while the prime minister remains in charge. In the history of the Italian Republic , there have been twenty legislatures (including the Constituent Assembly ), forty-five consecutive premierships, and sixty-eight different cabinets. The law of Italy has
498-511: A legal settlement, entail change of borders, spending or new legislation. Budget and financial statements introduced by the Government must be passed by the Parliament every year, while provisional implementation of the budget may not be allowed except by law and for no longer than four months. The budget must balance revenue and expenditure , taking account of the adverse and favourable phases of
581-472: A new leader emerging from a post-election leadership challenge within the majority coalition (e.g. Renzi Cabinet ), or a person instructed by the President to form a national unity government in times of political crisis, such as in a coalition shift (e.g. Conte II Cabinet ), or if enough politicians from the majority coalition switch parties (e.g. Monti Cabinet ). In any scenario, the government must receive
664-470: A pilgrimage to the place where our constitution was created, go to the mountains where partisans fell, to the prisons where they were incarcerated and to the fields where they were hanged. Wherever an Italian died to redeem freedom and dignity, go there, young people, and ponder: because that was where our constitution was born. The groups that composed the Constituent Assembly covered a wide range of
747-410: A plurality of sources of production. These are arranged in a hierarchical scale, under which the rule of a lower source cannot conflict with the rule of an upper source (hierarchy of sources). The constitution of 1948 is the main source. The constitution states that justice is administered in the name of the people and that judges are subject only to the law . So the judiciary is a branch that
830-458: A reasoned opinion. If such law is passed again, the veto is overruled and the President must sign it. The Constitution recognises general referendums for repealing a law or part of it, when they are requested by five hundred thousand voters or five Regional Councils ; while referendums on a law regulating taxes , the budget , amnesty or pardon , or a law ratifying an international treaty are not recognised. Any citizen entitled to vote for
913-554: A small number of senators for life , such as former Presidents , by right unless they resign , and citizens appointed by the President of the Republic , in number up to five, for having brought honour to the nation with their achievements in the social , scientific , artistic and literary fields. All voters over the age of forty are eligible to be senators. Disqualifications for the office of deputy or senator are determined by law and verified for members by each House even after
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#1732837128839996-427: A unified representation that is proportional to their membership, enter into collective labour agreements that have a mandatory effect on all persons belonging to the categories referred to in the agreement. The right to strike is recognised within the limits of the law. The Constitution recognises free enterprise , on condition it does not damage the common good , safety , liberty , human dignity , health , or
1079-434: A wide majority that is progressively reduced from two-thirds to one-half plus one of the votes after the third ballot. The only presidents ever to be elected on the first ballot are Francesco Cossiga and Carlo Azeglio Ciampi . Ciampi was replaced by Giorgio Napolitano , who was elected on 10 May 2006. While not forbidden by the law, no president had ever served two terms until 20 April 2013, when President Giorgio Napolitano
1162-403: Is prohibited for political offences . Public officials and public agencies are directly responsible under criminal , civil , and administrative law for acts committed in violation of rights. Civil liabilities are also extended to the Government and to the public agencies involved. The Constitution recognises the family as a natural society founded on marriage , while marriage
1245-461: Is based on Roman law , the Napoleonic Code and later statutes . It is based on a mix of the adversarial and inquisitorial civil law systems, although the adversarial system was adopted in the appeal courts in 1988. Appeals are treated almost as new trials, and three degrees of trial are present. The third is a legitimating trial. There is only partial judicial review of legislation in
1328-510: Is completely autonomous and independent of all other branches of power , even though the minister of justice is responsible for the organization and functioning of those services involved with justice and has the power to originate disciplinary actions against judges , which are then administered by the High Council of the Judiciary , presided over by the president . The judiciary of Italy
1411-594: Is composed of 139 articles (five of which were later abrogated) and arranged into three main parts: Principi Fondamentali , the Fundamental Principles (articles 1–12); Part I concerning the Diritti e Doveri dei Cittadini , or Rights and Duties of Citizens (articles 13–54); and Part II the Ordinamento della Repubblica , or Organisation of the Republic (articles 55–139); followed by 18 Disposizioni transitorie e finali ,
1494-408: Is elected by direct and universal suffrage by voters who are eighteen or older. There are 400 deputies, eight of which are elected in the overseas constituencies . All voters who are twenty-five or older on election day are eligible to be deputies. The senate is elected by direct and universal suffrage by voters who are eighteen or older. There are 200 senators, four of whom are elected in
1577-499: Is incompletely described by any single term. It also employs the concept, for instance, of a constitutional republic in which a court system is involved in matters of jurisprudence . As with other democracies, not all people in a democratic republic are necessarily citizens, and not all citizens are necessarily entitled to vote. Suffrage is commonly restricted by criteria such as voting age , and sometimes by felony or imprisonment status. Historically, some inconsistency around
1660-408: Is not the hereditary property of the ruling monarch , but instead a res publica , belonging to everyone. The people who are called to temporarily administer the republic are not owners, but servants; and the governed are not subjects , but citizens . And the sovereignty , that is the power to make choices that involve the entire community, belongs to the people, in accordance with the concept of
1743-462: Is recognised in Article 32 both as a fundamental right of the individual and as a collective interest, and free medical care is guaranteed to the indigent , and paid for by the taxpayers . Nobody can be forced to undergo any health treatment, except under the provisions of the law ; the law is aimed at the respect of the human dignity . Freedom of education is guaranteed, mentioning in particular
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#17328371288391826-403: Is simply regarded as a condition of moral and legal equality between the spouses. The law is supposed to guarantee the unity of the family, through economic measures and other benefits, and the parents have the right and duty to raise and educate their children, even if born out of wedlock . The fulfilment of such duties is provided by the law in the case of incapacity of the parents. Health
1909-506: Is still not complete. The preamble to the Constitution consists of the enacting formula : The provisional Head of State, by virtue of the deliberations of the Constituent Assembly, which in the session of 22 December 1947 approved the Constitution of the Italian Republic; by virtue of Final Provision XVIII of the Constitution; promulgates the Constitution of the Italian Republic in the following text: The Fundamental Principles declare
1992-483: Is the President of the Italian Constitutional Court elected from the court itself. One third of the judges are appointed by the President of the Italian Republic , one-third are elected by Parliament and one-third are elected by the ordinary and administrative supreme courts. The Constitutional Court passes on the constitutionality of laws, and is a post- World War II innovation. The Constitutional Court
2075-443: Is true, in a simple or representative democracy, but by consent of the majority or their representatives." The Republic of China ( Taiwan ) claims to be the oldest of Asia's democratic republics, though its recent history of democratic process is largely linked only to Taiwan. Likewise, Africa's oldest democratic republic, Liberia (formed in 1822), has had its political stability rocked by periodic violence and coups. Starting in
2158-605: The Judiciary stating a reason , and outside the limits imposed by the law. Every citizen is free to travel , both outside and inside the territory of the Republic , with restrictions granted by law only for possible health and security reasons. Citizens have the right to freely assemble , both in private and public places, peacefully and unarmed . Notifications to the authorities is required only for large meetings on public lands, which might be prohibited only for proven reason of security or public safety. The Constitution recognises
2241-525: The North-American sense. Judicial review can be enacted only under certain conditions, either it already being established by constitutional law , or in the Constitutional Court , which can reject violating laws after judicial scrutiny. According to Article 134 of the constitution , the Constitutional Court shall pass judgement on: The Constitutional Court is composed of 15 judges, one of which
2324-571: The Parliament as a bicameral entity , consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic , which are elected every five years with no extension, except by law and only in the case of war, and which meet in joint session only in cases established by the Constitution. The Chamber of deputies is elected by direct and universal suffrage . There are 400 deputies, eight of which are elected in
2407-401: The economic cycle , which can be the only justification for borrowing . New or increased expenditure must be introduced by laws providing for the resources to cover it. Both Houses can conduct enquiries on matters of public interest, through a Committee of its Members representing the proportionality of existing parties . A Committee of Enquiry may conduct investigations and examination with
2490-431: The environment . The Republic is supposed to establish appropriate regulations on both public and private-sector economic activities , in order to orient them toward social and environmental purposes. Public and private properties are recognised, guaranteed and regulated by the law, with particular mention of the regulation of inheritance and the possibility of expropriation with obligation of compensation in
2573-423: The freedom of association , within the limits of criminal law . Secret associations and organisations having military character are forbidden. Freedom of expression , press and religion are guaranteed in public places, except for those acts which are considered offensive by public morality . For example, hate speech , calumny and obscenity in the public sphere are considered criminal offences by
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2656-582: The international law and the rights of the foreigner, in particular the right of asylum for people who are denied in their home country the freedoms guaranteed by the Italian Constitution, or who are accused of political offences . They also repudiate war of aggression and promote and encourage international organisations aimed to achieve peace and justice among nations, even agreeing to limit sovereignty , on condition of equality with other countries, if necessary to achieve these goals. The last of
2739-421: The legislative power to both Houses, and bills can be introduced by the Government , by a member of Parliament and by other entities as established by the Constitution. The citizens can also propose bills drawn up in articles and signed by at least fifty-thousand voters. Each House shall establish rules for reviewing a bill, starting with the scrutiny by a Committee and then the consideration section by section by
2822-423: The overseas constituencies , while the number of seats among the other electoral districts is obtained by dividing the number of citizens residing in the territory of the Republic by 392 and by distributing the seats proportionally to the population in every electoral district, on the basis of whole shares and highest remainders. All voters over the age of twenty-five are eligible to be deputies. The Senate of
2905-445: The overseas constituencies . There are also a small number of senators for life , such as former presidents and up to five citizens appointed by the president for having brought honor to the nation with their achievements. All voters who are forty or older on election day are eligible to be senators. Elections of senators for each region being based on a modified proportional representation system. The constitution establishes
2988-499: The political spectrum , with the prevalence of three major groups, namely Christian democratics , liberals and leftists . All these groups were deeply anti-fascist , so there was general agreement against an authoritarian constitution, putting more emphasis on the legislative power and making the executive power dependent on it . All the different political and social views of the Assembly contributed in shaping and influencing
3071-502: The public interest . Also, to ensure the rational use of land and equitable social relationships, there could be constraints on the private ownership and size of land. The Republic protects, promotes and regulates small and medium-sized businesses , cooperatives and handicrafts and recognises the right of workers to collaborate in the management of enterprises , within the limits of the law. Private savings and credit operations are encouraged, protected and overseen. Article 48 of
3154-627: The right to work is also recognized, with labour considered the foundation of the Republic and a mean to achieve individual and social development: every citizen has a duty to contribute to the development of the society, as much as they can, and the Government must ensure the freedom and equality of every citizen. While the Principles recognise the territorial integrity of the Republic, they also recognise and promote local autonomies and safeguard linguistic minorities . They also promote scientific, technical, and cultural development , and safeguard
3237-494: The territory of the Republic . Every elected official is entitled to the time needed to perform that function and to retain a previously held job. Article 52 states that the defence of the homeland is mandatory and the "sacred duty for every citizen". It also stipulates that national service is performed within the limits and in the manner set by law. Since 2003, Italy has no more conscription , even though it can be reinstated if required. The fulfilment of which cannot prejudice
3320-584: The three branches as he is elected by the lawmakers, appoints the executive and is the president of the judiciary. The president is also commander-in-chief in time of war. The President of the Republic of Italy is elected for seven years by Parliament in joint session, together with three representatives of each region, except for the Aosta Valley, which gets only one representative. These delegates are elected by their respective regional councils so as to guarantee representation to minorities. The election needs
3403-419: The 20th century after World War II, many countries used the term "democratic republic" in their official names—most of which were Marxist–Leninist , or socialist, one-party states —that did not allow political opposition, free press or other democratic norms and institutions. These include states no longer in existence or who have changed their governmental systems and official names (almost all Marxist–Leninist):
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3486-483: The Chamber of Deputies has the right to vote in a referendum, and if the majority of those eligible has voted and a majority of valid votes has been achieved, the referendum is considered carried. The Government cannot have legislative functions, except for a limited times and for specific purposes established in cases of necessity and urgency, and cannot issue a decree having the force of a law without an enabling act from
3569-622: The Congo , Ethiopia , North Korea , Laos , Nepal , the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic , Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan do not hold free elections and are rated as undemocratic " hybrid regimes " or " authoritarian regimes " by The Economist Democracy Index . In addition, there are a few countries which use the term "Democratic Republic" in the name and have a good record of holding free or relatively free general elections and were rated "flawed democracy" or "full democracy" in
3652-663: The Constituent Assembly, of which 21 were women, with 9 from the Christian Democratic group, 9 from the Communist group, 2 from the Socialist group, and 1 from the Common Man's group. These members came from all walks of life, including politicians, philosophers and partisans ; and many of them went on to become important figures in the Italian political history . The Constitution
3735-528: The Constitution recognises the right to vote of every citizen, male or female, at home or abroad , who has attained majority , that is eighteen years of age. Voting is also considered a civic duty and the law must guarantee that every citizen is able to fulfill this right, establishing among other things, in 2000, overseas constituencies represented in the Parliament . The right to vote cannot be restricted except for civil incapacity, irrevocable penal sentences or in cases of moral unworthiness as laid down by
3818-422: The Constitution, the Republic protects labour in all its forms and practices, providing for training and professional advancement of workers, promoting and encouraging international agreements and organisations that protect labour rights . It also gives the freedom to emigrate and protects Italian workers abroad . Unfree labour is outlawed, with workers having the right to a salary commensurate with
3901-740: The Democracy Index, such as the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste ( East Timor ), the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe , and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka . Constitution of Italy The Constitution of the Italian Republic ( Italian : Costituzione della Repubblica Italiana ) was ratified on 22 December 1947 by the Constituent Assembly , with 453 votes in favour and 62 against, before coming into force on 1 January 1948, one century after
3984-792: The German Democratic Republic ( East Germany ), the Somali Democratic Republic , the Democratic Republic of Vietnam ( North Vietnam ), the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen ( South Yemen ), the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan , and the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia . As of October 2024, states which use the term "Democratic Republic" in their official names include many that do not hold free elections and have been rated as "undemocratic" or "unfree" by organizations that gave such ratings. Algeria , Democratic Republic of
4067-516: The Government of Italy as composed of the President of the Council of Ministers ( prime minister ) and the cabinet's ministers. The President of Italy appoints the prime minister and, on the prime minister's proposal, the subsequent ministers that form their cabinet . The appointee is usually the leader of the majority coalition that won the election (e.g. Berlusconi IV Cabinet ), but they can also be
4150-514: The High Council of the Judiciary and the Supreme Council of Defence. Usually, the president tries to stay out of the day-to-day politics, and tries to be an institutional guarantee for all those involved in the political process. The president is not responsible for the actions performed in the exercise of his duties, except for high treason and violation of the Italian constitution , for which
4233-466: The Houses may be convened by its President , the President of the Republic or a third of its members; and in such cases the other House is convened as a matter of course. The President and Bureau of each House is elected among its member and during joint sessions the President and Bureau are those of the Chamber of Deputies. Each House adopts its rules by an absolute majority and, unless otherwise decided,
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#17328371288394316-550: The Italian Criminal Code . Every citizen is protected from political persecution and cannot be subjected to personal or financial burden outside of the law . The right to a fair trial is guaranteed, with everyone having the right to protect their rights regardless of their economic status. Conditions and forms of reparation in case of judicial errors are defined by the law, and retroactive laws are not recognized, therefore nobody can be convicted for an action which
4399-400: The Parliament. Temporary measures shall lose effect from the beginning if not transposed into law by the Parliament within sixty days of their publication. Parliament may regulate the legal relations arisen from the rejected measures. The Constitution gives to the Parliament the authority to declare a state of war and to vest the necessary powers into the Government . The Parliament has also
4482-418: The Principles establishes the Italian tricolour as the flag of Italy : green, white and red, in three vertical bands of equal dimensions. Articles 13–28 are the Italian equivalent of a bill of rights in common law jurisdictions. The Constitution recognises habeas corpus and the presumption of innocence ; violations of personal liberties , properties and privacy are forbidden without an order of
4565-432: The Republic is elected by direct and universal suffrage . There are 200 senators, four of whom are elected in the overseas constituencies , while the others are elected on a regional basis in proportion to the population of each Region similarly to the method used for the Chamber of deputies , with no Region having fewer than three senators, except for Molise having two, and Valle d'Aosta having one. There are also
4648-501: The Transitory and Final Provisions. It is important to note that the Constitution primarily contains general principles; it is not possible to apply them directly. As with many written constitutions, only few articles are considered to be self-executing. The majority require enabling legislation, referred to as accomplishment of constitution . This process has taken decades and some contend that, due to various political considerations, it
4731-412: The approval by the Parliament , laws are promulgated by the President of the Republic within one month or a deadline established by an absolute majority of the Parliament for laws declared urgent. A law is published immediately after promulgation and comes into force on the fifteenth day after publication, unless otherwise established. The President can veto a bill and send it back to Parliament stating
4814-426: The authority to grant amnesties and pardons through a law having a two-thirds majority in both Houses, on each section and on the final vote, and having a deadline for implementation. Such amnesties and pardons cannot be granted for crimes committed after the introduction of such bill. Parliament can authorise by law the ratification of such international treaties as have a political nature, require arbitration or
4897-564: The compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice . Democratic republic A democratic republic is a form of government operating on principles adopted from a republic and a democracy . As a cross between two similar systems, democratic republics may function on principles shared by both republics and democracies. While not all democracies are republics ( constitutional monarchies , for instance, are not) and not all republics are democracies, common definitions of
4980-539: The confidence of both houses , so the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the Italian Parliament and the great number of political parties forces the prime minister to bend to their will. If the majority coalition no longer supports the government, the Prime Minister can be ousted with a vote of no confidence , at which point the President can either appoint a new Prime Minister capable of forming
5063-532: The defeat of nazis and the fascist forces during the Italian Civil War . Article 1 of the Italian constitution states: "Italy is a democratic Republic founded on labour. Sovereignty belongs to the people and is exercised by the people in the forms and within the limits of the constitution." By stating that Italy is a democratic republic, the article solemnly declares the results of the institutional referendum which took place on 2 June 1946 valid. The state
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#17328371288395146-454: The duty to be loyal to the Republic and to uphold its Constitution and laws. Elected officials have the duty to fulfil their functions with discipline and honour , taking an oath to that effect in those cases established by law. Power is divided among the executive, the legislative and judicial branches; the Constitution establishes the balancing and interaction of these branches, rather than their rigid separation. Article 55 establishes
5229-466: The election; and nobody can be a member of both Houses at the same time. New elections must take place within seventy days from the end of the term of the old Parliament. The first meeting is convened no later than twenty days after the elections, and until such time the powers of the previous Houses are extended . In default of any other provisions, Parliament has to be convened on the first working day of February and October. Special sessions for one of
5312-524: The environmental, historical, and artistic heritage of the nation , with a particular mention of the protection of the environment , the biodiversity , and the ecosystems in the interest of future generations . The State and the Catholic Church are recognised as independent and sovereign , each within its own sphere. Freedom of religion is also recognised, with all religions having the right of self-organisation, as long as they do not conflict with
5395-491: The final text of the Constitution. For example, constitutional protections concerning marriage and the family reflect natural law themes as viewed by Roman Catholics , while those concerning workers' rights reflect socialist and communist views. This has been repeatedly described as the constitutional compromise, and all the parties that shaped the Constitution were referred to as the arco costituzionale (literally, " Constitutional Arch "). There were 556 members of
5478-502: The foundations on which the Republic is established, starting with its democratic nature , in which the sovereignty belongs to the people and is exercised by the people in the forms and within the limits of the Constitution. The Principles recognise the dignity of the person, both as an individual and in social groups, expressing the notions of solidarity and equality without distinction of sex, race, language, religion, political opinion, personal and social conditions. For this purpose,
5561-500: The free teaching of the arts and sciences . General rules of education are established by law, which also establishes public schools of all branches and grades. The Constitution prescribes examinations for admission to and graduation from the various branches and grades and for qualification to exercise a profession. Private schools are required to meet the same standards of education and qualifications, while universities and academies can establish their own regulations within
5644-517: The law, and the possibility to establish a relation with the State through agreements. In particular, Article 7 recognises the Lateran Treaty of 1929, which gave a special status to the Catholic Church , and allows modification to such treaty without the need of constitutional amendments . In fact, the treaty was later modified by a new agreement between church and state in 1984. The Principles mention
5727-467: The law. Political parties may be freely established and petitions to Parliament by private citizens are recognised in order to promote the democratic process and express the needs of the people. Any citizen, male or female, at home or abroad , is eligible for public office on the conditions established by law. To this end, the Republic adopts specific measures to promote equal opportunities between men and women, and for Italians not resident in
5810-409: The limits of the law. Education is also a right , with a compulsory and free primary education , given for at least eight years. The highest levels of education are a right also for capable and deserving pupils, regardless of their financial status. To this end scholarships , allowances to families and other benefits can be assigned by the Republic through competitive examinations. According to
5893-417: The opinions expressed or votes cast while performing their functions, and cannot be submitted to personal or home search, arrested, detained or otherwise deprived of personal freedoms without the authorisation of their House, except when a final court sentence is enforced, or when the member is apprehended in flagrante delicto . The salary of the members of Parliament is established by law. Article 70 gives
5976-459: The president can be impeached by the parliament in joint session, with an absolute majority of its members. With article 48 of the constitution , which guarantees the right to vote , the people exercise their power through their elected representatives in the parliament. The Italian Parliament has a bicameral system , and consists of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic , elected every five years. The Chamber of Deputies
6059-449: The previous Constitution of the Kingdom of Italy had been enacted. The text, which has since been amended sixteen times , was promulgated in an extraordinary edition of Gazzetta Ufficiale on 27 December 1947. The Constituent Assembly was elected by universal suffrage on 2 June 1946, on the same day as the referendum on the abolition of the monarchy was held, and it was formed by
6142-686: The protection of mother and child. A minimum age for paid labour is established by law, with special provisions protecting the work of minors . Welfare support is available to every citizen unable to work , disabled or lacking the necessary means of subsistence. Workers are entitled to adequate help in the case of accident , sickness , disability , old age and involuntary unemployment . Private-sector assistance may be freely provided. Trade unions may be freely established without obligations, except for registration at local or central offices and requirements such as internal democratic structures. Registered trade unions have legal personality and may, through
6225-425: The quantity and quality of their work and a minimum wage guaranteed in order to ensure them and their families a free and dignified existence . The law establishes maximum daily working hours and the right to a weekly rest day and paid annual holidays cannot be waived. Equal rights and equal pay for women are recognised; working conditions must allow women to fulfil their role in the family and must ensure
6308-469: The representatives of all the anti-fascist forces that contributed to the defeat of Nazi and Fascist forces during the liberation of Italy . The election was held in all Italian provinces, except the provinces of Bolzano , Gorizia , Trieste , Pola , Fiume and Zara , located in territories not administered by the Italian government but by the Allied authorities, which were still under occupation pending
6391-427: The sittings are public. Members of the Government have the right and, if demanded, the obligation to attend, and shall be heard when they so request. The quorum for decisions in each House and in a joint session is a majority of the members, and the Constitution prescribes the majority required of those present for passing a decision. Members of Parliament do not have a binding mandate, cannot be held accountable for
6474-652: The term is frequent. Prior to the American Revolution in what is now the United States—and before the coming of age of the "crowned republics" of constitutional monarchies in the United Kingdom and other European countries— democracy and republic were "used more or less interchangeably", and the concepts associated with representative democracy and hence with a democratic republic are suggested by John Adams (writing in 1784): "No determinations are carried, it
6557-773: The terms democracy and republic often feature overlapping concerns, suggesting that many democracies function as republics, and many republics operate on democratic principles, as shown by these definitions from the Oxford English Dictionary : Eugene Volokh of the UCLA School of Law observes that the United States exemplifies the varied nature of a constitutional republic—a country where some decisions (often local) are made by direct democratic processes, while others (often federal) are made by democratically elected representatives. As with many large systems, US governance
6640-419: The whole House, which will then put it to a final vote. The ordinary procedure for consideration and direct approval by each House must be followed for bills regarding constitutional and electoral matters, delegating legislation, ratification of international treaties and the approval of budgets and accounts. The rules shall also establish the ways in which the proceedings of Committees are made public. After
6723-467: Was not illegal at the time in which it took place. Criminal responsibility is considered personal, therefore collective punishments are not recognized. A defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty , and punishments are aimed at the rehabilitation of the convicted. The death penalty and cruel and unusual punishments are prohibited. Extradition of citizens is not permitted outside of those cases provided by international conventions , and
6806-496: Was primarily established "for the protection of the legal order and only indirectly as an institution for the vindication of fundamental rights " of individuals. The court generally only has the power of judicial review over "laws and enactments having force of law issued by the State and Regions" (what is called primary legislation in civil-law systems) and does not have the power to review administration acts and regulations, or parliamentary rules. In November 2014, Italy accepted
6889-405: Was re-elected. According to the constitution , any citizen who is 50 years old on the day of the election, and enjoys civil and political rights, can be elected president. The president cannot hold office in any other branch of power and the office's salary and privileges are established by law. Among the powers of the president , they have the capacity to: The president also presides over
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