Il Parlamento

Summary

The Italian Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, both performing similar functions. It is elected through a mixed electoral system, combining proportional and majority representation. The Parliament enacts laws, with the President of the Republic having the authority to veto them. Parliament also has significant functions such as legislative, political control, and financial oversight. It can amend the Constitution with special procedures. Additionally, the Parliament elects key positions, including the President of the Republic, the Council of the Judiciary, and the judges of the Constitutional Court.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Italian Parliament consists of two chambers: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic.
• 😀 Both chambers perform the same functions, creating a system known as 'perfect bicameralism.'
• 😀 The Parliament is elected through a mixed electoral system: two-thirds proportional and one-third majority-based.
• 😀 The Chamber of Deputies is composed of 400 deputies, while the Senate consists of 200 senators.
• 😀 Former Presidents of the Republic and up to five life senators may be appointed by the President of the Republic.
• 😀 The legislative period (legislature) lasts five years, but the President of the Republic can dissolve the chambers early to protect parliamentary independence.
• 😀 The Constitution guarantees certain prerogatives to parliamentarians, such as inviolability, immunity, and incompatibility with other offices.
• 😀 Parliamentarians are entitled to an indemnity (salary) to enable them to dedicate themselves full-time to their parliamentary duties.
• 😀 Parliamentary sessions are public, and the main function of the Parliament is legislative, carried out jointly by both chambers.
• 😀 The legislative process includes four stages: initiative, discussion and approval, promulgation, and publication of laws, with the President of the Republic having veto power in certain cases.
• 😀 Parliament also has other important functions, including political oversight, financial control through budget approval, and electing the President of the Republic, members of the CSM, and judges of the Constitutional Court.

Q & A

What are the two chambers of the Italian Parliament?

The two chambers of the Italian Parliament are the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic.

How is the Italian Parliament elected?

The Italian Parliament is elected through a mixed electoral system: two-thirds proportional and one-third majoritarian.

How many deputies are in the Chamber of Deputies, and how many senators are in the Senate?

The Chamber of Deputies is composed of 400 deputies, while the Senate comprises 200 senators.

Who can be appointed as a senator for life in Italy?

Senators for life can be appointed by the President of the Republic, typically individuals who have brought honor to the country.

What is the duration of a legislative term in Italy?

A legislative term in Italy lasts five years, although the President of the Republic can dissolve the chambers earlier if necessary.

What are some of the constitutional privileges granted to Italian parliamentarians?

Italian parliamentarians enjoy several privileges, including inviolability (freedom from prosecution for opinions or votes made in their role), and immunity from limitation of their liberty without the consent of their chamber.

Can a member of the Italian Parliament hold other official positions?

No, a member of the Italian Parliament cannot hold other official positions, such as president of a region, due to incompatibility rules.

What is the main function of the Italian Parliament?

The main function of the Italian Parliament is the legislative function, which is carried out jointly by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

What are the key steps involved in the legislative process in Italy?

The legislative process includes four main stages: the initiation of a bill, discussion and approval by both chambers, promulgation by the President of the Republic, and publication in the Official Gazette, after which the law enters into force.

What additional functions does the Italian Parliament have besides the legislative function?

In addition to the legislative function, the Italian Parliament has functions of political direction and control, financial control, and elects key figures such as the President of the Republic and members of the Superior Council of the Judiciary and the Constitutional Court.