ABSTRACT
Italy is a republic whose constitution came into force on 1 January 1948. The constitution defines value systems, the main principles of power-sharing, the rules for drawing up regulations, and the distribution of responsibilities between the different levels of government. Regional constitutions represent a clean break with the centralization of fascist Italy. Regions have the power to issue laws within their own boundaries, and these are respected by the Constitution and constitutional law. Mountain communities, a designation instituted in 1976, have the main aim of promoting economic development in mountainous areas. The sizes of the budgets for the regions, provinces and communes are clearly different. Communes and provinces are automatically given the power to modify their own laws, organize themselves and their areas of responsibility, set up their own administration and services, and take measures to ensure public participation and guarantee the right to information. Recognizing its social function, the constitution upholds the right to private property.
