Public Law Course - Chapter 7 Summary

Evolved from a constitutional monarchy to a parliamentary system by 1861, giving the elected Chamber more power over the appointment of government leaders.

The king could regain control during major political crises, as seen in Mussolini's appointments in 1922 and 1943.

Voting rights were limited, mainly representing elites before 1919.

Universal male suffrage was introduced, increasing public participation and allowing mass-based political parties.

Introduced in 1919, this system supported the rise of significant parties based on popular support.

Gained power in Italy between 1919 and 1922, leveraging governmental instability and political maneuvering.

A new election law in 1924 giving the party with a majority of votes over 25% of national votes almost total control over the parliament.

Italy chose a parliamentary system supported by major parties, rejecting the instability of the past.

A parliamentary system in Italy, characterized by weaker regulations compared to other countries like Germany or Spain.

Italian government system with relatively weak constraints on the government's power in a parliamentary setting. It has fewer checks on government decision-making.

The period in Italian history from 1948 to 1994.,marked by political instability and numerous changes in Italian governments.

Italian law that was designed to allocate extra seats to parties based on the total collected votes, but soon was repealed due to election result not matching expectations.

Extreme changes in Italian government during the First Republic (1948-1994) related to issues outside of parliamentary votes.

A major political party in Italy after WWII, holding significant power in the early years of the first republic, winning nearly half the votes in the first post-constitution election.

A political system where multiple parties exist and compete for power, creating high political instability, which was prominent in Italy during the First Republic.

Temporary committees formed to review specific bills, established in one or both Chambers.

Committees with investigative powers, similar to a court, but without final judgments. They examine public issues and are appointed by one or both Chambers.

Permanent committees focusing on maintaining the Chamber's internal rules and independence. Examples include the Committee on Rules and the Committee for Elections and Parliamentary Immunity.

Parliament's activities related to producing or helping produce legal norms, including laws and constitutional amendments.

Parliament's active role in guiding the government, using motions, resolutions, and recommendations.

Documents concerning the government's actions, discussed and voted on, with the government obligated to follow the approved outcome.

Similar to motions, proposed by individual members, offering guidance to the government on specific issues.

Accompany main documents like bills, clarifying how the government should interpret or apply them.

Government officials can be held legally responsible for their actions, even after leaving office.

Government must maintain public trust and can be removed by a vote of no confidence in Parliament.

A powerful figure in Italian politics who acts as the leader of the winning coalition party.

Italy's Head of State, responsible for ensuring constitutional order and promoting national unity.

The President acts as a mediator in political disagreements and ensures the constitution is upheld.

Elected by Parliament in a joint session with regional representatives, the election is secret and requires a candidate to be over 50 years old.

The President serves a seven-year term, ensuring independence from frequent changes in government.

The President has broad powers, including approving laws, appointing officials, and dissolving Parliament in certain situations.

A Minister's signature on a Presidential act, making the Government responsible for the President's actions.

The President is not personally liable for their actions, but can be impeached for serious crimes decided by the Constitutional Court.

Independent bodies, like the Constitutional Court and Judiciary, that protect rights and rules, free from political influence.

Ensures that all laws comply with the Italian Constitution.

The Judiciary, which resolves disputes, is increasingly independent from political interference.

They protect individual rights and ensure that rules remain consistent regardless of political changes.

The Constitutional Court and the Judiciary are crucial to ensure the stability and fairness of Italy's legal system.

These courts handle initial cases, like Justices of the Peace, and decide based on the case's value or type of offense.

These courts review decisions made by lower courts. They handle appeals for both civil and criminal cases.

This is the highest court in Italy and has final authority. It ensures the law was interpreted correctly.

This function of the Court of Cassation ensures all courts across the country interpret laws consistently.

This court handles disputes involving public authorities. It's the first instance court in this type of case.

This court is the second instance for cases involving public authorities. Its decisions are final.

This individual is part of the judiciary and has the obligation to initiate criminal proceedings.

The Italian judiciary has moved from simply enforcing laws to actively protecting citizens' rights.