Senate of the Republic (Italy) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Senate of the Republic Senato della Repubblica
18th legislature
Type
Type	Upper house of the Parliament of Italy
Leadership
President of the Senate	Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati, FI
Structure
Seats	315 elected senators + 6 senators for life

Elections
Last election	4 March 2018
Next election	No later than 2023
Meeting place
Palazzo Madama, Rome

The Senate of the Republic (called Senato della Repubblica in Italian) is one of the two main parts of the Italian Parliament. It is also known simply as the Senate. The other part is the Chamber of Deputies.

Together, these two parts form a "perfect bicameral system." This means both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies do the same jobs. They both have to agree on laws for them to pass.

The Senate was created in its current form on May 8, 1948. However, it existed before that during the time of the Kingdom of Italy. Back then, it was called the Senato del Regno (Senate of the Kingdom). Even earlier, it was the Senato Subalpino (Subalpine Senate) in Sardinia, started on May 8, 1848.

Senators are called Senator or The Honourable Senator. They meet in a special building called Palazzo Madama in Rome, Italy.

What is the Italian Senate?
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What is the Italian Senate?

The Senate of the Republic is like the "upper house" of Italy's government. It works with the "lower house," the Chamber of Deputies. Both houses must approve new laws. This system helps make sure laws are carefully checked.

How the Senate Works

Italy has a "perfect bicameral system." This means both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies have equal power. They both vote on the same laws. If one house changes a law, the other house must vote on the new version. This continues until both houses agree.

Who are the Senators?

The Senate has 315 elected members. These people are chosen by citizens during elections. There are also 6 "senators for life." These are people who have been given this special role for their achievements. They serve in the Senate for their entire lives.

Where the Senate Meets

The Senators gather in a historic building in Rome. This building is called Palazzo Madama. It is a very old and important place where many decisions are made for Italy.