The Italy Republic

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According to an article written by Matt Goodwin called the, “Think Quest,” in 1861 Italy became a nation-state when the regional states of Peninsula, Sardinia, and Sicily became united. These states were united under the authority of King Victor Emmanuel II in the 1920s. When Benito Mussolini was established a Fascist dictatorship, the era of parliamentary government came to a close because a new alliance was formed with Hitler’s Germany. This new alliance with Nazi Germany led Benito Mussolini and Italy to its defeat during World War II. After Italy’s defeat in World War II, a democratic republic took over the old monarchy in 1946, giving way to a new economic revival. Italy became a charter member of NATO in 1949 and part of the European Economic Community in 1957. In 1999 after joining with the Economic and Monetary Union, Italy has been at the forefront of European economics and political unification (Matt Goodwin).

Italy’s Government

In 1946, Italy changed its government because the citizens of Italy voted on having a republic system of government. This type of government is headed by a president rather than having a monarchy system which was ruled by a king. By this time Italy also established a new constitution that now consisted of having a President, Prime Minister, Cabinet, Parliament, and Courts. In Italy the president is elected to a seven year term, this is done by both the houses of Parliament in joint session, not by voters. The president has the ability to remove Parliament and call for a new election. The president of Italy is considered the commander and chief of the Italians and they don’t have a vice president. For instance, if the president of Italy becomes ill and is unable to perform his duties, the Italian Senate takes over the president’s duties. If for some reason the president dies, a presidential election is held to replace him. The Italian prime minister and the cabinet are officially called the government, not including the president. In Italy the prime minister is picked by the president, but the Prime Minister can be voted out of office at any time within his term. The Prime Minister, of Italy, is considered to be the most important person in the Italian government. The Prime Minister is the one that develops a national policy for Italy. The Prime Minister usually elected by someone within the cabinet. The president then appoints the members to the cabinet, as they are approved by the Parliament.

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