Italian Parliament

The Italian Parliament

The Italian Parliament is the group of people who help make laws for Italy. It is very important because it represents all the people who live in Italy.

Italy has a bicameral parliament, which means it has two parts. These two parts are called the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic. The Chamber of Deputies has 400 members, and the Senate has 200 members. Some special members called senators for life also join the Senate. These are usually past presidents of Italy or people who did great things in art, science, or other important areas.

Both parts of the parliament work together to make new laws. A law must be approved by both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate before it can become official. This way, everyone has a chance to help decide what is best for Italy.

People in Italy can vote for their representatives when they are old enough. To vote, you must be eighteen or older. To become a deputy, you must be twenty-five or older, and to become a senator, you must be forty or older.

The Italian Parliament meets in special buildings in Rome. One building is called Palazzo Montecitorio, where the Chamber of Deputies meets. The other is called Palazzo Madama, where the Senate meets. These places are very old and beautiful, and they help the parliament do its important work for Italy.