The Constitution of the Italian Republic - A Short Introduction #1002843

The aim of this Volume is to provide an introductory guide to the Constitution of the Italian Republic, which came into force on January 1, 1948 and an explanation of its significance in the history of the Italian State.
It is designed for foreigners, especially students, who are spending a period of time in Italy and who wish to understand the essential features of the legal system of the country in which they are living. But it is also intended for all those who wish to become more closely acquainted with the principles of the Constitution that have underpinned Italy’s development for almost eighty years.
After a brief historical introduction on the founding of the Italian State, the work is grouped under ten chapters which examine the principal sections of the Constitution, i.e., Fundamental Principles, Part I (Rights and Duties of Citizens) and Part II (Organization of the Republic). All the amendments affecting the Constitution until June 2026 are examined to enable the reader to grasp its evolution over time.
This Volume is published in coincidence with the 250th anniversary of American independence, a key step in the development of constitutionalism. The Declaration of Independence (1776) was founded upon the Virginia Declaration of Rights, to the drafting of which a significant contribution was made by an Italian, the Tuscan Filippo Mazzei (1730-1816). His role and influence are examined in a brief essay included in this Volume.