ABSTRACT
Italy was one of the first Mediterranean countries to join the European Community (EC), and as such has done a lot to shape the Community's policy towards the southern Member States. With a population density slightly higher than the EC average, Italy is rapidly trying to improve its agricultural industry. Italy has undergone significant internal political change over the period since 1992. The National Government in Italy has two elected houses of representatives. The elections to appoint Members of Parliament and the Government of the day were up until 1993, by proportional representation. The relationships between National and Regional governments are relatively confused, not only because of the historic lack of continuity at a national level but also because, under the Italian constitution, some regions have more authority than others. The laws of 1977 and 1984 which built up the authority of Regional government also built up some of the responsibilities of the lower tiers of government.
