ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the role of the Italian communist party (PCI) in the consolidation of parliamentary democracy in Italy. It examines the theoretical and political justifications put forward by the PCI in adapting its strategy to the rules of the game of liberal democracy. The chapter looks first at Togliatti's views on liberal democracy, then at the issue of electoral reform turning to the PCI's role in democratic consolidation. Togliatti established a link with liberalism on behalf of his party at an early stage, defining democracy as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people'. The balance of political forces is the central political aspect of a pluralist society. Parliaments take decisions on the basis of majority voting, but the majority itself cannot determine the composition of Parliament. The electoral defeat of the Legge Truffa ensured that the parliamentary system remained sufficiently strong to ensure the participation of the PCI.
