The Figure and Role of the Head of State in the Prerepublican Debate (1943-1947)

By Giulio M. Salerno

With regard to the figure of the Head of State, this article analyzes, first of all, the positions that emerged during the public discussions held between the fall of Fascism in 1943 to the institutional referendum of 1946, especially among the political forces. Next, the article examines the most significant contributions provided by the members of the Constituent Assembly, to understand the opinions and the interpretative options characterizing the Constituent Assembly’s approach to the role of the Head of State. In terms of perspective, the considerations expressed by the Constituent Assembly on the role are compared with the actual development of the office.