Italy is a Republic with its current constitution dating back to 1948.

• Legislative power is vested in the bicameral parliament, consisting of the 630-member Chamber of Deputies and the 351-member Senate, as well as certain life Senators.
• Members of both chambers are elected for five year terms.
• The Italian constitution provides for a separate judiciary.
• The Italian constitution also provides for an executive branch composed of a Council of Ministers (Cabinet), headed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President. The President of the Republic is elected by a joint session of the Chamber and Senate for seven years.