Eleanor Finch
The Constitution of the Italian Republic has been amended several times since its ratification on 22 December 1947. The exact number of amendments is disputed, with sources citing figures ranging from 13 to 16. The most recent amendment occurred on 26 September 2023, which amended Article 33 of the Constitution. One notable amendment occurred in 2007, when capital punishment was abolished in all cases. Another significant amendment was made in 2002, when the provision forbidding male descendants of the former royal family, the House of Savoy, from entering the territory of the Republic was repealed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of ratification | 22 December 1947 |
| Date of enforcement | 1 January 1948 |
| Number of amendments | 13 or 16 |
| Latest amendment | 26 September 2023 |
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What You'll Learn
The Italian Constitution has been amended 13-16 times
The Constitution of the Italian Republic has been amended several times since its ratification on 22 December 1947. While most sources agree that the Italian Constitution has been amended 16 times, one source mentions 13 amendments. The Constitution came into force on 1 January 1948, marking a century since the previous Constitution of the Kingdom of Italy had been enacted.
The Italian Constitution was enacted by the Constituent Assembly, receiving 453 votes in favour and 62 against. The Assembly was elected by universal suffrage on 2 June 1946, coinciding with a referendum on abolishing the monarchy. The Constitution's text was promulgated in an extraordinary edition of the Gazzetta Ufficiale on 27 December 1947.
Amendments to the Constitution have addressed various aspects. For instance, in 2001-2006, a constitutional law and an amendment were passed in the fourteenth legislature. This included repealing disposition XIII, which restricted the civil rights of the male descendants of the House of Savoy, and introducing a provision to encourage women's participation in politics.
Another notable amendment occurred in 2007, when the Constitution was modified to abolish capital punishment in all cases. Prior to this amendment, the Constitution prohibited the death penalty except "in the cases provided for by military laws in case of war." However, no death sentences had been carried out since 1947.
The Italian Constitution continues to evolve through amendments, ensuring its adaptability to the changing needs and values of Italian society. The process of amending the Constitution involves both legislative procedures and, in some cases, popular referendums.
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The Italian Republic Constitution was ratified in 1947
The Constitution of the Italian Republic (Italian: Costituzione della Repubblica Italiana) was ratified on 22 December 1947, with 453 votes in favour and 62 against. The Constituent Assembly, elected by universal suffrage on 2 June 1946, was responsible for ratifying the Constitution. Notably, this election coincided with a referendum on abolishing the monarchy, reflecting Italy's transition towards a republican form of government.
The Italian Constitution came into force on 1 January 1948, exactly one century after the previous Constitution of the Kingdom of Italy had been enacted. This earlier constitution, known as the Statuto Albertino, had become devoid of substantive value following Benito Mussolini's rise to power in 1922. The Italian Republic Constitution of 1947 established a clear break from the monarchy and set forth the principles and structure of the new republican state.
The Constitution of the Italian Republic outlines a wide range of rights, duties, and principles that govern Italian society and its political system. It guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of religion, equality before the law, and the right to associate freely in political parties. It also establishes the responsibilities of citizens, such as the defence of the nation, compulsory military service, and the duty to contribute to public expenditure.
One of the key aspects of the 1947 Constitution is its recognition of the State and the Catholic Church as independent and sovereign entities. While guaranteeing freedom of religion for all denominations, the Constitution specifically acknowledges the Lateran Treaty of 1929, which granted a special status to the Catholic Church. This recognition allows for modifications to the treaty without requiring constitutional amendments, as demonstrated by the agreement between church and state in 1984.
Since its ratification in 1947, the Italian Constitution has undergone several amendments. While some sources indicate 13 amendments, others suggest 16 amendments as of 2023. These amendments reflect the evolving nature of Italy's constitutional framework and the need to adapt it to changing social, political, and legal circumstances. The process of amending the Constitution involves both chambers of the legislative body and, in certain cases, includes a popular referendum to ensure democratic participation in significant constitutional changes.
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The Italian Constitution came into force in 1948
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. The Italian Constitution came into force on 1 January 1948, one century after the previous Constitution of the Kingdom of Italy, the Statuto Albertino, had been enacted. The Constituent Assembly was elected by universal suffrage on 2 June 1946, the same day as the referendum on the abolition of the monarchy.
The Italian Constitution has been amended several times since it came into force in 1948. The text has been amended either sixteen times or thirteen times, depending on the source. One notable amendment occurred in 2001-2006, when a constitutional law and an amendment were passed in the fourteenth legislature. This amendment repealed disposition XIII, which limited the civil rights of the male descendants of the House of Savoy, and encouraged women's participation in politics.
Another significant amendment was made in 2007, when the constitution was amended to make capital punishment illegal in all cases. Before this amendment, the Constitution prohibited the death penalty except "in the cases provided for by military laws in case of war." However, it is worth noting that no one had been sentenced to death in Italy since 1947.
The process of amending the Italian Constitution is outlined in Article 139, which states that the form of the Republic shall not be subject to constitutional amendment. This effectively bars any attempt to restore the monarchy. Additionally, within one year of the entry into force of the Constitution, the revision and coordination of previous constitutional laws were to begin. This process included decisions on the law for the election of the Senate of the Republic, special regional statutes, and the law governing the press.
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The Italian Constitution abolished monarchy
The Italian Constitution, which came into force on 1 January 1948, abolished monarchy in the country and established a democratic republic. The Constitution was ratified on 22 December 1947 by the Constituent Assembly, which was formed by representatives of all the anti-fascist forces that contributed to the defeat of Nazi and Fascist forces during the liberation of Italy. The ratification took place with 453 votes in favour and 62 against.
The Constituent Assembly was elected by universal suffrage on 2 June 1946, on the same day as a referendum on the abolition of the monarchy. The referendum, which was held after World War II, offered Italians their first opportunity since the war to express their political will through a free and fair vote. The results showed a preference for a republic, with approximately 54% of the votes going to the republican option. Consequently, Italy officially abolished the monarchy and initiated steps to establish a republican form of government.
The transition to a republic was marked by significant political reforms, including the drafting of the new constitution. This new constitution, which was founded on the principles of democracy, liberty, and human rights, signalled a new chapter in Italian history and laid the foundation for the country's modern identity. The Italian monarchy, which began in 1861 with the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy, ended with King Umberto II, who reigned briefly from 9 May 1946 until the monarchy's abolition.
The Italian Constitution has since been amended several times, with the number of amendments ranging from 13 to 16, depending on the source. These amendments have addressed various issues, such as capital punishment, the rights of women and descendants of the former royal family, and the balanced budget at both the national and regional levels.
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The Italian Constitution was amended to encourage women's participation in politics
The Italian Constitution has been amended several times since its ratification in 1947, with the exact number of amendments ranging from 13 to 16 according to different sources. One significant amendment occurred during the fourteenth legislature (2001-2006), which included a provision intended to encourage women's participation in politics.
The Italian Constitution, officially known as the Constitution of the Italian Republic, was enacted by the Constituent Assembly on December 22, 1947, and came into force on January 1, 1948. The Constitution has been amended multiple times since then to address various issues and adapt to the changing needs of Italian society.
One important aspect of the amendments has been the focus on encouraging women's participation in politics. The fourteenth legislature (2001-2006) witnessed the passage of a constitutional law and an amendment that included a provision specifically aimed at promoting women's involvement in politics. This amendment was part of a broader effort to remove obstacles to the full equality of men and women in social, cultural, and economic life, as outlined in Article 117 of the Constitution.
Article 117 states that regional laws shall eliminate any barriers to the equal participation of men and women in elected offices and promote equal access to these positions. This amendment reflects a recognition of the importance of gender equality in Italian politics and society. It seeks to address historical inequalities and ensure that women have the same opportunities as men to engage in political processes and decision-making.
Additionally, Article 37 of the Italian Constitution addresses working conditions, stating that they should enable women to fulfil their essential family roles and provide appropriate protection for mothers and children. This article demonstrates a further commitment to supporting women's participation in politics and public life by ensuring that working conditions are compatible with family responsibilities.
The amendments to the Italian Constitution aimed at encouraging women's participation in politics reflect a broader societal shift towards gender equality and the recognition of women's rights. By removing legal barriers and promoting equal access, these amendments contribute to a more inclusive and representative political landscape in Italy.
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Frequently asked questions
The Italian Constitution has been amended 13 to 16 times since its ratification in 1947.
The latest amendment was included on 26 September 2023, amending Article 33.
The first amendment was passed in the fourteenth legislature (2001-2006), repealing disposition XIII, which limited the civil rights of the male descendants of the House of Savoy.
Other amendments include:
- Making capital punishment illegal in all cases
- Encouraging women's participation in politics
- Allowing male descendants of the House of Savoy to enter the territory of the Republic
No, the form of the Republic is not a matter for constitutional amendment, effectively barring any attempt to restore the monarchy.
